Black American Sleep Focus Groups: Register to Participate!

Contribute to sleep research

This spring, Project Sleep is partnering with Dr. Robert W. Turner II and Dr. Michael Grandner to hear first-hand perspectives on sleep and sleep disorders from Black Americans, trusted community and faith leaders, and health care providers. This project aims to uncover important insights that will inform future sleep awareness and education campaigns to reduce delays to diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in Black American communities.

Please read and share about this important study. To join one of our 90-minute online focus groups, review eligibility below and register today!

View & share study flyers

Who can participate?

We are looking for adults (18 years of age or older) who meet one of the following criteria:

Black Americans with diagnosed sleep disorders
Family members of Black Americans with diagnosed sleep disorders
Black Americans with no issues with sleep
Black Americans with sleep issues without a sleep disorder diagnosis
Leaders of Black American community and faith-based organizations
Health care providers at local community clinics

About our study

Our study involves several focus groups from different subpopulations in order to understand a variety of different experiences and opinions. These discussions will provide insight on different barriers to treatment and diagnosis that Black Americans may or may not face, and how to better create more effective educational and promotional material regarding sleep disorders for this population.

Why is this study important?

Black Americans are at higher risk for insufficient sleep and sleep disorders, and there are serious delays in sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment for this population. In one of the few studies about sleep disorders in Black Americans, 24% of people in the study had obstructive sleep apnea, but only 5% had been diagnosed by a doctor. These gaps in care lead to overall worse health outcomes for Black people living with sleep disorders.

Studies like this one will help us better understand the perspectives on sleep and sleep disorders held by Black Americans, healthcare providers, and community leaders in order to improve awareness and inform educational campaigns to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.

How to get involved

If you’d like to participate in this study, follow the link below to register. Six to eight participants will be selected for each focus group. If you are selected to participate, you will receive a $100 Amazon gift card upon completion. Focus groups will take place online (dates listed below).

Want to share your perspective? Learn more and register today.

Have questions or comments? Contact the R.W. Turner Lab: rwturnerlab@gwu.edu or (202) 994-1728.

Spread the word

Please share with family, friends, leaders in your community, and health care providers. Together, we can work to reduce delays to diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders for Black Americans!