Formed in 2000, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities was organized to review racial disparities in health and wellness. Unfortunately, many minorities in the United States form behaviors in childhood that affect their quality of life mainly from a lack of sleep. This lack of sleep equates to other diseases including higher blood pressure, heart conditions, cancer, and obstructive sleep apnea.
“Racial and ethnic minorities in America must also juggle an already complex set of societal disadvantages, making obtaining time for sufficient, undisturbed sleep more difficult. Although there is no one single explanation for the potential causes of America’s sleep gap, socioeconomic factors may play a significant – and often debilitating – role.”
Ethnic and Minority Disparities
Over the past 23 years, research has found Black people and Hispanic people reportedly get less than six hours of sleep each night. Sleep apnea is more common in Black people versus White people with a diagnosis and treatment for a sleep disorder. Unfortunately, as many as 95 percent of Black people who experience sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Treatment of sleep disorders is also less successful in Black people which can lead to diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
“Disparities in access to care have a broad effect on health outcomes for people of color. For example, conditions like sleep apnea may be less likely to be diagnosed or effectively treated, or people may be less likely to discuss sleep problems with a doctor.”
The Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) provided studies to determine sleep quality with ethnic and minority groups versus white people (chart below).
Another study found White adults receive up to one hour more of sleep no matter the duration than Black, Hispanic, or Chinese participants. “In addition to sleeping less, the quality of the already insufficient sleep was poor. Black adults were 57% more likely to have poor sleep quality, and up to 90% more likely to have excessive daytime sleepiness.”
“People who face barriers to accessing health care, such as having experienced racism in a health care setting, lacking insurance coverage, being unable to get time off work, or lacking child care or transportation, are less likely to take the additional steps needed to seek help for a sleep disorder,” said Dr. Giradin Jean-Louis.
Sleep Inequity and Mental Health
Socioeconomic instability also has negative effects on a minority’s mental health. Research has found a common theme in studying health disparities is higher levels of stress in minority and ethnic groups. “Overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system and increases in blood pressure resulting from anxiety and stress can increase levels of cortisol making it more difficult to fall and stay asleep.”
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, those who suffer from depression or anxiety claim an increase in their anxiety due to lack of sleep with 52 percent of men and 42 percent of women stating it directly affected their ability to remain focused the following day.
“Low-income households have significantly higher rates of mental health issues, yet often have fewer resources and education on how to manage their psychological health.” The Sleep Foundation identified a number of reasons leading to stress inequity including:
- “Neighborhood Environment: Neighborhoods with a higher percentage of people of color often confront higher levels of pollution, noise, allergens, and other potential stressors and contributors to poor sleep and sleep apnea.
- Acculturation: For ethnic groups, especially those made up of significant immigrant communities, the process of adjusting to dominant culture in America can be a source of tremendous stress and anxiety that may influence sleep quality.”
Exercise including yoga, meditation, or running can help unwind your anxiety and release the toxins clogging your mind and body. By pursuing the right mix of physical activity, a short 30 minutes creates the balance needed for a restful night and a clear conscience. For some, the start of the day works best to maintain a healthy glow.
A few morning tips for a healthy morning start include:
- Meditation, prayer or worship can kick-start your mind into a calm start.
- Making your bed may provide you the physical and visual peace for your bedroom.
- List what you are thankful for in a gratitude journal.
One interesting note from Jean-Louis is the access to sleep clinics. Minority groups may have distrust in community hospitals or cannot communicate in English creating barriers to treatment. With The Alaska Sleep Clinic, a free consultation is available to assess your needs.
