Examining the sociocultural context of insomnia among Latinx adults: A three-paper dissertation

The purpose of this three-paper dissertation is to examine the influence of different social processes on insomnia symptoms among Latinx adults. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in an effort to adequately capture the complex ways in which these processes impact insomnia symptoms in this population. Given that insomnia is more prevalent among women than men and that previous studies suggest different gender patterns in the influence of social processes on mental health exist, each paper includes an exploratory aim that investigates potential gender differences in the associations it examines. Paper 1 uses thematic content analysis to explore how Latinx adults with chronic insomnia describe the social processes through which social ties impact their lived experience of insomnia. Paper 2 tests the independent and synergistic effects of family and friend social support and social strain on insomnia symptoms. Lastly, Paper 3 builds upon previous studies demonstrating a positive association between acculturation stress and insomnia symptoms among Latinx adults by examining two emotion-focused coping strategies (i.e., brooding and alcohol use) as potential mechanisms driving this association. Taken together, the findings from these three papers suggest there may be a need for mental health providers to evaluate and address social processes when diagnosing and treating insomnia among Latinx adults

Anxiety sensitivity and racial differences in sleep duration: Results from a national survey of adults with cardiovascular disease

Although Blacks sleep between 37 and 75min less per night than non-Hispanic Whites, research into what drives racial differences in sleep duration is limited. We examined the association of anxiety sensitivity, a cognitive vulnerability, and race (Blacks vs. White) with short sleep duration (<7h of sleep/night), and whether anxiety sensitivity mediated race differences in sleep duration in a nationally representative sample of adults with cardiovascular disease. Overall, 1289 adults (115 Black, 1174 White) with a self-reported physician/health professional diagnosis of ≥1 myocardial infarction completed an online survey. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions and mediation analyses with bootstrapping and case resampling were conducted. Anxiety sensitivity and Black vs. White race were associated with 4%-84% increased odds, respectively, of short sleep duration. Anxiety sensitivity mediated Black-White differences in sleep duration. Each anxiety sensitivity subscale was also a significant mediator. Implications for future intervention science to address sleep disparities are discussed