Racial/ethnic differences in the beneficial effect of social support on sleep duration.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Social support (SS) is associated with better health outcomes including sleep health. However, the specific sources of SS that benefit sleep are unclear, and whether these associations vary by race/ethnicity or age are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine cross-sectional associations between sources of SS (number of friends, financial, church attendance, and emotional support) and self-reported short sleep duration (< 7 hours) overall and by race/ethnic groups (Black, Hispanic, and White) and age (< 65 vs. ≥ 65 years) among a representative sample.

METHODS: Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, we fit logistic regression (marginal standardization) and linear regression models accounting for survey design and weights to test associations between types of SS (number of friends, financial, church attendance, emotional support) and self-reported short sleep duration (< 7 hours) overall and by race/ethnic groups (Black, Hispanic, and White) and age (< 65 vs. ≥ 65 years).

RESULTS: Among 3,711 participants, mean age was 57 (0.3) years and 37% slept < 7 hours. Black adults had the highest prevalence of short sleep (55%). Overall, participants with financial support compared to those without had a lower prevalence of short sleep, 23% (0.68, 0.87). As the number of SS sources increased, the prevalence of short sleep duration decreased and the racial disparity in sleep duration narrowed. Associations between financial support and sleep were most pronounced among Hispanic and White adults and adults < 65 years.

CONCLUSIONS: In general, financial support was associated with a healthier sleep duration, particularly among those < 65 years of age. Individuals with numerous sources of social support were less likely to be short sleepers. The benefits of social support on sleep duration varied by race. Targeting specific types of SS may help to improve sleep duration among those most-at-risk.