Children from Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups at Higher Risk of Chronic Insomnia, Study Shows
Children and teens from racial and ethnic minority groups, especially Black children, are more likely to suffer from insomnia that begins in childhood and persists into adulthood. The study underscores the chronic nature of insomnia symptoms starting from a young age and their link to significant health issues, including cardiometabolic diseases and mental health disorders.
Key Facts:
- Black children are 2.6 times more likely to experience chronic insomnia symptoms from childhood through young adulthood compared to their white peers.
- The study found that 23.3% of participants had persistent insomnia symptoms, highlighting the condition’s long-term nature and its potential health risks.
- Early intervention and treatment for insomnia in children are crucial to mitigate its impact on future health, particularly for minority groups facing higher risks.
Research Highlights Disproportionate Impact on Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
A recent study led by Penn State researchers reveals that children and teens from racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly Black children, are disproportionately affected by chronic insomnia symptoms that develop during childhood and extend into young adulthood. This finding highlights the urgent need for early detection and treatment of insomnia symptoms in children to prevent long-term health consequences.
Insomnia is often mistaken as a transient issue that children will naturally outgrow. However, the study’s senior author, Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, a professor at Penn State College of Medicine, warns that childhood-onset insomnia can have a long-lasting impact. The persistent exposure to poor sleep can lead to various health problems, including cardiometabolic diseases, depression, and anxiety.
Childhood-Onset Insomnia Disparities
The research, conducted with 519 participants from the Penn State Child Cohort, found that 23.3% of the participants experienced persistent insomnia symptoms that lasted from childhood to young adulthood. Black children had a 2.6 times higher likelihood of developing chronic insomnia compared to their white counterparts. Hispanic/Latino youth also faced higher risks. Identifying and addressing insomnia symptoms in children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds is crucial to promoting their long-term well-being.
Importance of Early Intervention and Treatment
According to Fernandez-Mendoza, insomnia is a public health problem that requires immediate attention. Insomnia symptoms in children should not be disregarded as a phase that will naturally disappear as they grow older. Early intervention and treatment aimed at normalizing sleep patterns among minority groups, including Black and Hispanic/Latino children, can significantly reduce the risks of chronic insomnia and its potential health consequences.
Study References
Source: Penn State
Original Research:
Fernandez-Mendoza, J., et al. (2022). Racial/ethnic disparities in the trajectories of insomnia symptoms from childhood to young adulthood. Sleep.
About the Study
The study conducted by Penn State researchers followed 519 participants from the Penn State Child Cohort, a population-based study established in 2000. Participants were recruited as school-age children and were followed as they transitioned into adolescents and young adults. The researchers examined long-term patterns of insomnia symptoms and highlighted the disparities faced by racial and ethnic minority groups. Early detection and intervention were emphasized as crucial for mitigating the long-term consequences of insomnia.
About the Author
Author: Christine Yu
