The Importance of Sleep for Women (and how to get more of it!)

The Impact of Daylight Savings Time on Women's Sleep

This Sunday, Daylight Savings Time (DST) will kick in, and while most of us are adjusting our clocks forward an hour, the impact on our sleep is undeniable. In addition to losing an hour of precious rest, many women are already struggling to get enough sleep in their everyday lives. Whether it's family responsibilities, career stress, or the endless to-do lists, sleep often takes a back seat to the demands of daily life. And when our sleep patterns suffer, it affects our overall well-being.

At Pink Stork, we know that a good night’s sleep is essential for women’s health, and with DST upon us, it's more important than ever to recognize the challenges women face in getting enough rest—and how to address them.

Why Aren't Women Sleeping Enough?

Women today juggle multiple roles—often as mothers, professionals, and partners—and as a result, sleep often becomes a casualty of the day’s demands. Many women struggle to get the sleep their bodies need for various reasons: 

1. Family Responsibilities: From caring for children to looking after aging parents, women often bear the weight of family caregiving. The constant need to balance these responsibilities, plus managing the household, can result in sleep deprivation.

2. Career Pressures: Professional women are under increasing pressure to excel at work while maintaining family and personal commitments. Whether it’s long hours, work-related stress, or the mental load of decision-making, career demands contribute to poor sleep quality.

3. Discomfort: Hormonal changes throughout the life stages—from puberty to pregnancy to menopause—can lead to discomfort, hot flashes, and restlessness that disturb sleep. Conditions like PMS or perimenopause can also disrupt a woman’s natural sleep cycle.

4. Stress: Many women struggle to “turn off” their brains at night, which can lead to sleepless nights. Overthinking, anxiety, and stress contribute to sleep problems, preventing many women from entering the deep, restorative stages of sleep.

5. Social Media and Technology: With the the presence of smartphones and social media, it’s more tempting than ever to stay connected well into the night. Unfortunately, the blue light emitted from screens can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm and delay sleep onset.

The Risk Factors of Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s a vital component of our health. When women consistently fail to get enough rest, they face a range of negative consequences: 

1. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Poor sleep is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Inadequate rest can disrupt the body’s metabolism and immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness.

2. Mental Health Struggles: Lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms of stress, depression, and mood swings. Sleep is essential for mental clarity, emotional regulation, and stress management.

3. Reduced Cognitive Function: Sleep deprivation affects memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities. For women who juggle multiple responsibilities, this can lead to mistakes at work, difficulty retaining information, and overall reduced performance.

4. Weakened Immune System: Sleep helps the body repair itself and strengthen the immune system. When we don’t get enough rest, our body’s ability to fight infections and recover from illnesses is compromised.

5. Hormonal Imbalance: Lack of sleep can affect hormonal levels, including those responsible for regulating hunger and stress. This imbalance may lead to overeating, weight gain, and an increased risk of developing metabolic disorders.

What You Can Do About It

The good news is that you can take actionable steps to improve your sleep, even amidst the pressures of daily life. Here are some simple yet effective tips for getting better rest:

1. Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and makes it easier to fall and stay asleep.

2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Before hitting the pillow, wind down with a calming activity, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath (use our Magnesium Bath Flakes for added benefits!), or doing some light stretching. Avoid stimulating activities, like working or scrolling through social media, as they can make it harder to fall asleep.

3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Intake: Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep. Try limit your intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.

4. Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Create a space that supports restful sleep. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Consider investing in a comfortable mattress and pillow that suits your body’s needs. Using blackout curtains or a white noise machine can also help create a peaceful environment.

5. Avoid Screens Before Bed: The blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and computers interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you fall asleep. Aim to avoid screens for at least 1-2 hours before bed.

Supplements to Support Restful Sleep

For many women, a natural sleep supplement can help support restful slumber, particularly when life’s stresses and responsibilities make it harder to wind down. Here are a few natural, non-habit forming supplements to consider:

1. Magnesium, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm: This non-habit forming supplement supports healthy sleep and relaxation with a blend of calming herbs and minerals. Magnesium Glycinate is highly absorbable, helping to ease restlessness and support deep, restorative sleep. L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea, supports relaxation and eases stress without causing drowsiness. Lemon Balm, known for its calming properties, helps ease feelings of stress and supports a smooth transition into sleep. Together, these ingredients work to support restful sleep and relaxation.

2. Magnesium: Did you know that 80% of women are deficient in magnesium? Magnesium deficiency can lead to disrupted sleep patterns by affecting the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Supplementing with magnesium can aid in sleep quality by supporting relaxation, easing feelings of stress, and contributing to deeper, more restful sleep.

3. Magnesium Mist Spray: Spraying magnesium on your feet before bed is a simple way to support relaxation. Magnesium is absorbed through the skin and can help ease muscle tension, making it easier to drift off to sleep.

4. Sleep Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea before bed can be both soothing and supportive of a good night’s rest. Our blend includes lavender which is known for its calming and relaxing properties, which can help ease feelings of stress, making it easier to fall asleep. Its scent has been shown to support sleep quality and aid in more restful, deep sleep. Additionally, lavender can help regulate the nervous system and support a sense of tranquility.

5. Magnesium Bath Flakes: A warm bath with magnesium bath flakes can support relaxation, soothe your body and mind, and prepare you for a restful night’s sleep. The magnesium is absorbed through your skin while the warmth of the bath supports relaxation.

Prioritize Sleep for Your Health + Well-being

As we adjust to Daylight Savings Time, it’s a reminder of the importance of prioritizing quality sleep, not just this week but year-round. Women often juggle many responsibilities, but getting the rest your body needs is essential for long-term health. By cultivating healthy sleep habits, creating a soothing environment, and incorporating supplements like magnesium and L-Theanine, you can support both your sleep quality and overall well-being! 

Why Pink Stork? 

Pink Stork is more than just a wellness brand. It’s a community of women supporting women. All of our products are designed with you in mind—made by women, for women. From our high-quality ingredients to our commitment to testing and safety, you can trust that each product we offer is formulated to support your best self.