Sleep disparities in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the urgent need to address social determinants of health like the virus of racism

INTRODUCTION

With enough intensity to make it difficult for all to sleep well at night, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally, and the health and social consequences of the virus—ranging from hospitalizations/death to joblessness—have differentially affected communities.^1,2 Racial/ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged populations are more vulnerable to COVID-19 due to being disproportionately burdened by immune-compromising chronic conditions that are manifestations of a race-conscious society.³ Emanating from racial residential and labor market segregation, racial/ethnic minorities are generally more likely to have “essential” precarious low-wage jobs without worker protections (eg, paid sick leave), use public transportation, and live in substandard multifamily units.^4–6 

Read full article by JPB Fellow Chandra Jackson.