We already know that women are more likely to suffer from insomnia compared to men - and now it appears that they're also far more likely to seek a pharmaceutical cure for their insomnia.
According to IMS Health, a healthcare consulting company, just shy of 15.5 million women aged between 40 and 59 have used prescription medication to help them sleep. This is nearly twice the number of men from the same age group.
So why does it appear that women are more in need of insomnia medication than men?
One doctor argues that it's down to women's increasingly busy and stressful role in society - often as both breadwinner and caregiver.
Others argue that it's not down to need - rather it's due to the fact women are targeted by advertising from pharmaceutical companies.
I'll throw my own theory into the mix, too - perhaps it's because women are more likely to seek medical advice for their insomnia, and so they're more likely to end up on prescription medication.
I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on this.
Source: Pharma Marketing Blog
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Last updated: November 8, 2013