Sleep disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic within different racial groups of young adults [Student Voices]

Feb 9, 2026

Existing sleep disparities were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to other health disparities.

Black young adults reported the largest difference in sleep duration and quality compared to their minority counterparts, AIAN, Latinx, and Asian. On average, Black young adults reported one less hour of sleep compared to their counterparts. But why did Black young adults experience such a difference in sleep-related disparities in comparison to all the other racial groups? The researchers tested two pathways that could explain these differences: being an essential worker and COVID-19 victimization distress.

Click here to learn more.