Sleep News

Sleep study finds racial differences in rest patterns

Asian people are getting the best quality of sleep each night when they go to bed, according to a brand new study by the National Sleep Foundation.

A poll was carried out by the organisation, which included telephone interviews with more than 1,000 Americans, is said to be the first in the world to compare sleep between four key ethnic groups: black, white, Asian or Hispanic.

A lack of sleep is attributed to different things by different groups; African-Americans have the highest rate of sleep apnoea, while Hispanics are most likely to be kept from resting easily by financial and personal concerns; white people, on the other hand, have the highest rate of insomnia.

Study researcher and author Kenneth Lichstein, the director of the Sleep Research Project and professor at the University of Alabama, said the study highlighted some definite themes over its course.

He told LiveScience: "There''s enough research out there to suggest there may be ethnic differences in sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, differences in the amount and quality of sleep, and the health consequences of sleep disorders."

Last week, Oneindia''s Priya Devi R said that hitting the sack only when sleepy is one of the best ways to ensure you get good rest.

Posted by David Farrior