Inequality in Sleep Based on Ethnicity
In the United States, racial disparities in sleep duration and quality among Black adults are a concerning and complex issue. A multitude of social, environmental, and structural factors contribute to these disparities, many of which are interconnected.
Recent research has shown that Black adults have shorter average sleep durations than Non-Hispanic White (NHW) adults. On average, Black and Mexican American (MA) adults sleep around 7.1 hours per night, compared to 7.5 hours for NHW adults [3]. Furthermore, Black adults experience lower sleep efficiency and more wakefulness after sleep onset, indicating more fragmented sleep.
One factor contributing to these sleep disparities is the higher prevalence of severe sleep apnea in Black populations, particularly young adults. Untreated sleep apnea can significantly reduce sleep quality and duration [5].
Social and environmental stressors also play a significant role in sleep disparities among Black adults. Increased financial strain can exacerbate sleep problems, as economic insecurity is linked to both poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration [2]. Factors such as noise, overcrowding, and unsafe living environments, common in communities with greater economic disadvantage, can disrupt sleep [5]. Greater exposure to air pollution, limited access to green spaces, and unsafe neighborhoods can also contribute to poorer sleep outcomes for Black populations.
Structural racism and discrimination also contribute to sleep disparities. Chronic exposure to racism and discrimination generates psychological stress, which is linked to both short and restless sleep [5]. Black adults are more likely to work nonstandard hours, have less job security, or experience workplace discrimination, all of which can negatively impact sleep patterns [1].
Cultural and behavioral factors also play a role. Black adults are more likely to report a delayed sleep phase, which is associated with less total sleep and greater sleep disruption [1]. There may also be differences in how sleep problems are perceived and reported, with some evidence suggesting that Black adults underreport delayed sleep compared to objective measurements [1].
Health disparities also contribute to sleep disparities. Black Americans experience higher rates of chronic diseases and earlier onset of disease, which can impair sleep quality [4].
The full scope of these disparities is still being uncovered. Self-reported data may not fully capture the extent of sleep problems, and objective measures often reveal even greater gaps than surveys suggest [1][3]. The precise mechanisms, including the roles of genetics, epigenetics, and access to healthcare, require further study [5].
In conclusion, the racial disparities in sleep duration and quality among Black adults in the U.S. are driven by a combination of socioenvironmental stressors, structural racism, higher rates of comorbid health conditions, and differences in sleep timing and disorders [1][3][5]. These factors are deeply intertwined with broader health inequities and underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing both individual and systemic contributors to poor sleep.
According to a national survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 43.5% of Black or African-American individuals had trouble sleeping, compared with 30.7% of white respondents [6]. The Yale study revealed that more than 41% of Black individuals were not getting enough sleep in 2018, versus 31% of white participants [7]. Addressing these disparities is crucial for promoting overall health and well-being among Black adults in the U.S.
References: [1] American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2021). Racial and ethnic disparities in sleep. Retrieved from https://www.aasm.org/Resources/Content/About-Sleep/Disorders-and-Issues/Racial-and-Ethnic-Disparities-in-Sleep [2] Harris, K. M., & Power, C. (2019). The impact of socioeconomic status on sleep. Sleep Medicine Clinics, 14(3), 319–328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2019.03.005 [3] National Sleep Foundation. (2018). Race and sleep. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/race-and-sleep [4] National Sleep Foundation. (2021). Sleep and chronic disease. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-and-chronic-disease [5] National Sleep Foundation. (2018). Sleep and race. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-and-race [6] National Center for Health Statistics. (2019). Data brief no. 361: Racial and ethnic differences in sleep duration among adults in the United States, 2017. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db361.htm [7] Yaffe, K., et al. (2019). Disparities in sleep duration among racial/ethnic groups in the United States: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2016. Sleep Health, 5(4), 333–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2019.02.003
- Acknowledging the multiplicity of factors, the issue of racial disparities in sleep duration and quality among African and American adults requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach.
- These disparities are further exacerbated by the higher prevalence of severe sleep apnea among younger African populations.
- The science of sleep health and mental health must encompass the unique experiences of diverse populations, including African Americans.
- To ensure overall health-and-wellness and mental-health, it's essential to address the sleep disparities experienced by African Americans.
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