“Work now, sleep later” is a common expression many people in society play out in real life. Unfortunately, there can be lasting adverse health effects of not getting enough sleep. Research shows adequate sleep duration, and quality are equally essential (Liu and Reddy, 2022).
Long before researchers were studying the field of sleep, we simply had the fact that historical stressors and traumas were interrupting our sleep. Be it colonization, poverty or chronic illnesses, or racism, people of color have been “kept up” at night more than other racial groups for a while.
Today, scientists found that sleep deprivation can affect one’s mental and physical health. Interestingly they’ve also confirmed that Black and Hispanic men get much less sleep than White men. Poor sleep quality and short duration are associated with erectile dysfunction, heart attack, worsened high blood pressure and diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea (Lincoln, 2023). Black Americans are 2-4 times more likely to be at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (Lincoln, 2023).
Catching up on sleep may seem helpful, but it is ineffective. Sleep restores brain performance, boosts immunity, and supports the body’s metabolism – all are essential for healthy aging (Liu and Reddy, 2022). Here are a few ways you or a man you love may start to improve sleep hygiene: exercise regularly, reduce alcohol intake, keep a “sleep journal” at night to write out any thoughts that may occupy your mind at the end of the day, find helpful stress management skills, limit time spent on electronic devices a couple of hours before bed, and limit caffeine in the afternoon. It’s vital to discuss any sleep-related concerns with a primary care provider to ensure you are addressing root causes and making the healthiest decision possible for your best night’s rest.
#myjam: cold-pressed watermelon juice
References
Lincoln, Karen (2023). Impact of racism and inequities on African-Americans’ sleep and well-being. Retrieved from https://generations.asaging.org/racisms-impact-african-americans-sleep
Liu, P. Y. and Reddy R. T. (2022). Sleep, testosterone and cortisol balance, and aging men. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 23, 1323–1339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-022-09755-4