Sleep Equity

Equality vs. Equity

Equality means the state of being equal, and equity refers to the element of justice or fairness; it’s possible that “equal” treatment does not produce “equity” when people are living in very different conditions and circumstances. Applying this concept to sleep means it’s not enough to make sure everyone is educated about the importance of healthy sleep. We need to understand and address additional barriers to healthy sleep for many groups of people, particularly those in minoritized communities.

Sleep disparities are differences in sleep health, divided along group lines, which do not reflect underlying biological causes but social ones. Due to current and historical injustices that give rise to social, economic, and environmental inequalities, people from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other minoritized communities are more likely to get insufficient, poor quality sleep. Some research shows that people from these groups are also:

• more likely to have sleep disorders
• less likely to receive screening for sleep health issues
• more likely to be undiagnosed and untreated for sleep disorders

Sleep isn’t just a biological process, it’s a process that occurs in context of the world.

– Dr. Michael Grandner

Since sleep plays important roles in cardiovascular function, metabolism, immunity, mental health, and brain function, this sleep disparity creates a situation where many of our community members are systematically set up for worse overall health outcomes.

Project Sleep joins many researchers and sleep health advocates in urgently emphasizing the role of sleep disparities as a direct contributor to overall health disparities.

Sleep disparities stem from complex, entrenched social problems including racism and all its downstream effects, homophobia and transphobia, disability stigma, poverty, and inequitable access to healthcare.

With these seemingly overwhelming forces at work, it can be tough to see how or where individual efforts have an impact. No one person can fix everything, but remember, change begins in each of us. Our community is powerful and every action for sleep equity counts!

Doctors

Ask all patients about their sleep, screen for sleep disorders, and follow up on treatment for sleep disorders.

Employers

Provide living wages, health benefits, and family leave to all employees, and promote sleep and rest as fundamental to workers’ well-being and productivity.

Researchers

Include BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other minoritized populations in sleep research, and mentor students from these communities.

Policy Makers

Support living wages, accessible healthcare and housing, extended family leave, equitable education, and funding for sleep disparities research.

Community Leaders

Talk with community members about the importance of sleep health and promote a culture that honors rest and recuperation.

Educators & School Staff

Learn about sleep disparities and sleep disorders, and help identify underlying causes when a student is struggling to stay awake, focus, or keep up with schoolwork.

Content Creators

Use your platform to amplify the voices of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other people affected by sleep and health disparities.

Voters

Know where your elected officials and candidates stand on civil rights, employment, housing, and healthcare policies and work to elect leaders who prioritize health equity.

People with Sleep Disorders

Share your story to raise awareness and reduce stigma and delays to diagnosis (join Rising Voices!).

People not directly impacted by stigma & discrimination

Learn about anti-racism and read, watch, follow, and listen to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent, and other people whose identities and experiences are different from your own. Start here.