11/09/06

A new prospective study of morbidly obese patients revealed that African-Americans self-reported less average sleep duration compared with Caucasians, according to a new study presented at CHEST 2006, the annual scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Researchers from Metrohealth Medical Center in Ohio analyzed 251 patients undergoing polysomnography. Sleep questionnaires were administered and self-reported sleep duration was reported. Demographic information, such as age, gender, race, and comorbid conditions were also included.

While researchers did not find a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sleep duration, they did find that despite age, BMI, or caffeine or alcohol intake, African-Americans reported less sleep duration.