Sleep is an important component of overall health. Studies have shown that both short (<6 hours) and long (>9 hours) sleep durations are associated with numerous negative health outcomes including increased risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression, as well as decreased well-being, self-reported health, and cognitive functioning. For individuals with disabilities, problems with sleep are one of the most commonly reported secondary conditions. Using existing data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS), the purpose of this study was to examine if working-age adults with disabilities are at a higher risk for short and long sleep durations as compared to those without disabilities. Sleep duration data was reviewed by impairment type (sensory, cognitive, physical, multiple) and work disability. Associations were found between suboptimal sleep duration (short or long) and having cognitive, physical, or multiple impairments, as well as with work disability. Results highlight the need for including sleep behavior outcomes when designing health promotion programs for individuals with disabilities.
Reference
Shandra, C. L., Kruger, A., & Hale, L. (2014). Disability and sleep duration: Evidence from the American Time Use Survey. Disability and Health Journal, 7(3), 325-334.