So *This* Is Why We Get Less Beauty Sleep Than Men
Infuriating.

They say you're never dealt more than you can handle, and apparently, according to science, for women that's precisely two hours less sleep than our male counterparts. Yes, it's just another reason we're f**king awesome. But also, uh, we want those two hours back. If anyone can appreciate the fruits of beauty sleep, it's us. And the worst part is we only have ourselves, or rather our biological clocks, to blame.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that our shut-eye is suffering because of our circadian rhythm, AKA the biological clock that controls our 24-hour sleeping patterns, because it's two hours ahead of men's. And here we were thinking it's because we only make 80 cents on the dollar...
Women's body clocks cause them to fall asleep and wake up earlier than men.
Diane B. Boivin
The study, conducted by Canadian scientists at McGill University, followed a group of 15 men and 11 women for 36 hours, analyzing their sleeping patterns, alertness, and levels of melatonin. Ultimately, they found that women get tired earlier, but still go to bed later in our circadian cycles. In turn, we have more trouble falling and staying asleep.
"For a similar sleep schedule, we find that women's body clocks cause them to fall asleep and wake up earlier than men," explained the study's author Diane B. Boivin. "The reason is simple: Their body clock is shifted to a more easterly time zone. This observed difference between the sexes is essential for understanding why women are more prone to disturbed sleep than men."
The way we look at it, this is either an incentive to go to bed earlier (ha, we know) or make the sleep—if you can even call it that—we *do* get count.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Hailey Bieber’s Just as Obsessed With This ‘90s Hair Accessory As the Rest of Us
The new mom was spotted in this Fashion Week-approved trend while running errands.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Prince William's Love of Family Travel "Has Been Shaped" by Princess Diana's Death and Desire for a "Normal Upbringing"
"He understands his duty but also wants to make sure his family comes first."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Now That We've Devoured 'Onyx Storm,' We're Rounding Up Everything We Know About the 'Fourth Wing' TV Show
Rebecca Yarros's bestselling romantasy series is getting the Prime Video series treatment.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Lily-Rose Depp’s Cool-Toned Makeup Is So ‘90s Coded
Clean girl meets grunge.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 13 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano Published