Investigating how discrimination affects sleep in Black Americans
Official title: Using Event Momentary Assessment and Actigraphy to Investigate Mediating and Moderating Processes of Discrimination's Negative Effect onSleep
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10974522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how experiences of discrimination affect sleep quality for Black Americans, and it invites participants to share their daily feelings and experiences while also tracking their sleep patterns to better understand this connection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $460,920 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL172210-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black Americans who experience discrimination and have reported sleep difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or who do not experience discrimination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how experiences of discrimination impact sleep quality among Black Americans. By using innovative methods like ecological momentary assessments and actigraphy, the study aims to identify the emotional and social processes that mediate the relationship between discrimination and sleep disturbances. Participants will provide real-time data on their experiences of discrimination and emotional responses, while their sleep patterns will be monitored objectively. This approach seeks to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to sleep issues in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for sleep problems related to discrimination, ultimately enhancing the health and well-being of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has established a link between discrimination and sleep issues, but this study's innovative approach is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kunstman, Jonathan — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Kunstman, Jonathan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.