Sleep disorders in adults and children
Brabbins et al (1993) found rates of insomnia in an elderly (over 65) population were twice as high in women as in men. Differences in mental disorders partially explained this difference; women were also more likely to be depressed. Leger et al (2000) found that prevalence of sleep complaints were 63% higher in women, and for "severe insomnia" the rate was twice as high in women for all adults (12% vs. 6.3%).
In children, Timothy Hoban (2004) points out that sleep disorders "bear little resemblance to the insomnia of a mature adult." Sleep apneas are more common in male adults, but equally common in boys and girls. Laberge et al (2000) reports that leg restlessness is more common in girls, while bed-wetting and sleep-talking are more common in boys.
I'm not sure if being a chronic kicker counts as leg restlessness (I suspect it doesn't) but I do almost everything that someone can do to make sleeping next to them unpleasant. I steal the blankets, I kick, I snore, I talk, and I have even been known to sing. In general, however, I've always had an easier time falling asleep than the people I sleep next to, regardless of gender. I have always attributed this to my interference in their sleep patterns. It's hard to fall asleep with a mumbled rendition of "Take On Me" happening under the blankets you wish you had.
In children, Timothy Hoban (2004) points out that sleep disorders "bear little resemblance to the insomnia of a mature adult." Sleep apneas are more common in male adults, but equally common in boys and girls. Laberge et al (2000) reports that leg restlessness is more common in girls, while bed-wetting and sleep-talking are more common in boys.
I'm not sure if being a chronic kicker counts as leg restlessness (I suspect it doesn't) but I do almost everything that someone can do to make sleeping next to them unpleasant. I steal the blankets, I kick, I snore, I talk, and I have even been known to sing. In general, however, I've always had an easier time falling asleep than the people I sleep next to, regardless of gender. I have always attributed this to my interference in their sleep patterns. It's hard to fall asleep with a mumbled rendition of "Take On Me" happening under the blankets you wish you had.