Minorities
Hispanic Sleep Study
Research Report
Tracy Needham, M.A., AARP Knowledge Management
May 2006
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With American lives busier than ever before, there is growing concern about the adequacy, in terms of both quantity and quality, of sleep that people get each night. While there is disagreement about whether sleep needs decline with age or remain constant over the adult lifespan, many older adults report being less satisfied with the sleep they're getting.
Among age 40+ Hispanics surveyed, 67 percent say the 6-7 hours of sleep they average nightly is enough for them, but only 57 percent of those 50 and over feel the same way. The most frequently mentioned reason in this AARP survey for being unable to get enough sleep is excessive stress, worry or depression, cited by 23 percent, followed by working or other activities, 19 percent, and health problems, 16 percent.
If those who report not getting sufficient sleep were to be able to do so, the main benefits would be having more energy, cited by 24 percent, and better or improved health and less stress, 22 percent.
The telephone survey of 487 Hispanics was conducted for AARP by ICR, an independent research company, from May 11th to 23rd, 2006. Further information about the survey may be obtained by contacting the report's author, Tracy Needham, at 202-434-6322. (6 pages)