Tom Murphy
RedwoodAge.com

Economic worries, pets, late-night TV and other factors seem to trigger striking differences among ethnic groups trying to get a solid night's sleep, according to a national health poll.

(CDC)

The data collected by the nonprofit National Sleep Foundation was the first major survey of sleep differences among Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics and whites.  It may help doctors better understand how to help patients who have trouble sleeping.

Prior surveys by other groups have shown that up to 44 percent of Americans have trouble sleeping, and that boomers are more likely to take sleep aids. Many health experts agree it's important to get at least eight hours of sleep and that losing sleep to such problems as apnea can lead to illness or even shorten your lifespan.

In its random survey of 1,007 Americans aged 25-60, the foundation found that African-Americans reported getting the least sleep - just 6 hours and 14 minutes, on average. They were also the most likely to engage in activities like sex, watching TV or praying than other ethnic groups. Blacks also spent the most time awake in bed - averaging 54 minutes on weekdays.

Interestingly, African-Americans also claimed they needed the least sleep, saying they perform at their best with just 6 hours and 14 minutes.

According to responses from each group, African-Americans are 10 times more like to have sex every night than Asians, and 2.5 times more likely than whites. Seventy-one percent of African-Americans said they prayed every night, compared to 18 percent of Asians, 32 percent of whites and 45 percent of Hispanics.

"The finding that Blacks/African-Americans say they need less sleep and get less sleep is instructive for public health professionals," said Dr. Jose Loredo, a professor at the University of California, San Diego. "Their total sleep time and attitudes regarding sleep may be associated with Blacks/African-Americans' higher rates of sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes and provide sleep-related insight into how to improve awareness and education programs and, very importantly, how to improve therapy compliance rates."

Asians Sleep Best
In the poll, Asians reported getting the best sleep and using the fewest sleep aids. Eighty-four percent said they get a good night's sleep at least a few nights a week. They also were more than twice as likely to use the Internet every night compared to the other ethnicities. Only 9 percent of Asians said they lose sleep over financial concerns compared with 22 percent for Hispanics, 20 percent for whites and 19 percent for African-Americans.

Among Hispanics, 19 percent said they lost sleep every night or almost every night while worrying about money, jobs, personal relationships or health concerns. Overall, 38 percent of Hispanics and 33 percent of African-Americans said those issues disturbed their sleep at least a few nights a week. That compared with 28 percent of whites and 25 percent of Asians.

"So many people are suffering because of economic uncertainty," says Dr. Martica Hall, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. "If you find yourself lying awake worrying, write a note to yourself to work on these issues the next day so you can dismiss those ideas at bed time. Consider using relaxation techniques and focus on calming activities and thoughts. If your problems persist, you may want to seek out a sleep professional."

Move Over, Rover
Pets played a role in getting a good night's sleep, especially for whites. Among those who are married (or "partnered"), 14 percent of whites said they usually slept with a pet compared to 2 percent among other groups.

"Other studies support the findings that co-sleeping with children is prevalent with Asians," said Dr, Sonia Ancoli-Israel, chair of the foundation's Sleep in America Poll Task Force. "If you are having trouble sleeping, and you sleep with your spouse, your child, your pet or all three, remember that may be contributing to sleep disturbances that prevent you from getting a good night's sleep."

The foundation offered these 10 tips to help people get a good night's sleep:

• Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning.
• Use your bedroom only for sleep.
• Remove work materials and TVs from your bedroom.
• Try a warm bath or listening to calm music.
• Make a comfortable sleeping environment that is dark, cool and quiet.
• Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
• Write down worries so you can face them in the daytime.
• If you can't sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing.
• Exercise regularly, but not close to bedtime.