Police killings of unarmed Black people significantly worsen sleep quality among Black Americans, a disparity not observed in white counterparts, according to a groundbreaking study. The collaborative effort, led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, various universities and the National Institutes of Health, highlights a stark racial divide in sleep health exacerbated by such traumatic events.
The study reveals that Black individuals in the U.S. are already more prone to sleep issues due to factors like noisier neighborhoods, longer work hours, and more late-night shifts. However, the aftermath of police killings of unarmed Black people introduces additional stress and trauma, leading to even lower levels of sleep.
This is particularly concerning given the established links between sleep deprivation and chronic health problems, including early mortality. The new research indicates that the psychological impact of police violence on Black communities contributes to racial sleep disparities, as these events heighten hypervigilance, worry, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
The findings underscore the need for addressing the root causes of such disparities and implementing targeted public health interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of racial trauma on sleep and overall health.
See “After Police Kill Unarmed Black People, Sleep Worsens — but Only for Black People” by Emily Baumgaertner on the New York Times website (February 5, 2024)
