Watch: Insomnia | – asks Grio

Insomnia is a sleep problem that makes it difficult to go to sleep, stay asleep, or has non-restorative sleep that affects people of all demographics, including the Black community. However, there are several aspects specific to the Black community that may speed up the consequences of insomnia. We sat down with Dr. Danine Dean, a licensed psychologist, to debate the importance of sleep and easy methods to overcome insomnia during your every day struggles.

During his interview with Dean, he discusses many elements of the approach and treatment of people that have sleep problems. But Dean emphasizes several outstanding issues that only affect African Americans.

Socioeconomic disparities amongst black people, including limited access to health care resources, will lead to higher levels of tension in comparison with white people, which is a serious risk for and has contributed to insomnia. Certain experiences, corresponding to family death or traumatic events, can result in chronic stress and mental distress, that are known to disrupt sleep patterns. In many cultures, including the black community, mental health problems, including sleep disorders, might be related to stigma. This stigma can prevent people from looking for help or openly discussing sleep problems, resulting in insomnia being left untreated.

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Dean also discusses other impacts of chronic health conditions, where Black persons are disproportionately affected by obesity, diabetes and hypertension, that are known to be linked to many sleep disorders. Additionally, cultural norms and social pressures within the Black community, corresponding to the expectation of working multiple jobs or caring for members of the family, can contribute to irregular sleep schedules and increased stress levels.

Finally, Dean discusses historical traumas corresponding to slavery and segregation that may proceed to affect mental health and well-being within the Black community. These traumas can manifest in a wide range of ways, including sleep disturbances.

Addressing the issue of insomnia within the Black community requires creative approaches that address the underlying socioeconomic, cultural, and health disparities that contribute to insomnia. This may include increasing access to reasonably priced health care, addressing systemic racism within the Black community and discrimination. We can even promote mental health awareness and supply education about healthy sleep habits and coping strategies to combat depression, anxiety and stress. Therefore, culturally sensitive interventions and outreach which might be tailored to the needs of the Black community may also help improve awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of insomnia.