Understanding the Link Between Socioeconomic Position and Sleep Health
As practitioners dedicated to enhancing child outcomes, understanding the multifaceted factors that influence sleep health is crucial. A recent systematic review titled "Socioeconomic Position and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Systematic Review of Social Epidemiological Studies" sheds light on the intricate relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). This blog explores the findings and implications of this research, providing insights for practitioners to improve their skills and encourage further exploration in this field.
Key Findings from the Systematic Review
The review analyzed 20 studies, revealing that lower educational levels, income, and full-time employment are associated with increased EDS. Notably, symptoms of EDS are prevalent among women with low income or no job, and children and adolescents in challenging living conditions report more sleep disturbances.
Among the studies, 25% focused on children and adolescents, while 75% examined adults and seniors. The research highlights the importance of considering SEP as a determinant in sleep medicine and biomedical research, emphasizing the need for its inclusion in experimental designs.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners working with children can leverage these findings to tailor interventions that address sleep disturbances in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Integrate SEP considerations into sleep assessments to better understand the root causes of sleep disturbances.
- Collaborate with schools and communities to develop programs that mitigate the impact of low SEP on sleep health.
- Advocate for policies that address socioeconomic disparities, as these are crucial for improving sleep outcomes.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to explore the following areas:
- Conduct longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships between SEP and EDS.
- Investigate the impact of other SEP parameters, such as access to insurance and immigration status, on sleep health.
- Utilize objective measures of sleep, such as actigraphy or polysomnography, in future research to enhance data accuracy.
Conclusion
Understanding the relationship between SEP and sleep health is vital for practitioners aiming to create positive outcomes for children. By incorporating SEP considerations into their practice and encouraging further research, practitioners can contribute to reducing health disparities and improving sleep health across populations.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Socioeconomic Position and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Systematic Review of Social Epidemiological Studies.
