Posted on 04/09/2015 9:09:20 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Studies show that African-Americans are not getting enough sleep — a health issue that has an adverse impact on our health.
Consistent lack of sleep can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Regardless of income levels, sleep deprivation is taking its toll on the Black community.
Amongst African-Americans in management positions, 42 percent get less than seven hours of sleep a night and for those in support staff positions, 37 percent get less than seven hours of sleep.
The Urban Housecall Doctors — Dr. Karla Robinson and Dr. Robert C. Robinson III — joined guest host Jeff Johnson Thursday on NewsOne Now to discuss the importance of a good night’s sleep in staying healthy and feeling rested.
Dr. Robert told Johnson, “So many of us devalue sleep, don’t recognize the importance of sleep, the physiological benefits of sleep … so many of us are sleep deprived and it spans all socioeconomic [levels].”
Johnson asked the Urban Housecall Doctors to explain the lack of sleep in the Black community and what factors keep us from obtaining the recommended eight hours of sleep needed each night to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Karla explained, “We’re grinding, we have to work twice as hard.”
“You know the old adage — be twice as good to be considered on the playing field. So I think our work ethic does come into play. Stress levels — that comes into play as well. It’s stressful to be Black in America.”
Johnson suggested that African-Americans watch more television as another factor in the lack of sleep in our community.
“There are single mothers that are trying to be both momma and daddy, cousin, grandma, and so by the time you go to work, come home, do homework, get the kids in the bed and then have any time for yourself, it’s already midnight,” he added. “But we are also over indexing on content, which is also keeping us up at night.”
Dr. Robert then reiterated that African-Americans do not appreciate the true value of sleep. “We don’t understand the restorative benefits of sleep and that’s what we really want to emphasize today is that there are actual physical, mental benefits to resting your body.”
According to Dr. Robert, sleep decreases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes — all of which African-Americans are predisposed to.
Dr. Robert went on to say that individuals who are not getting enough sleep at night are “inclined to be overweight or obese” as a result of the lack of sleep because “you are not allowing your body the amount of proper rest that it needs in a 24-hour time span.” “Once you get into a sleep deficit situation, it’s nearly impossible to make that up.” Watch NewsOne Now guest host Jeff Johnson and the Urban Housecall Doctors discuss the harmful impact sleep deprivation is having on the African-American community in the video clip above.
For more information about the Urban Housecall Doctors and for health tips, visit www.UrbanHousecall.com and make sure you get those hours of sleep in starting tonight
Lack Of Sleep In The Black Community Is Causing Major Health Problems
It is all those gun shots and police sirens and helicopters flying overhead.
It is caused by white privilege. White people get all the quality sleep.
Well, if they didn’t work so much....
I just love that little thing:)
It was only a matter of time before they got around to blaming whitey. Oh, for cryin' out loud. They think sleeplessness among employed people is a black thing? Sister be nuts.
Ah!...... Guilty Consciences?...
And how about the ones in jail or not working?
Its easier to commit crimes at night...when you should be sleeping.
Turn down the Rap.
We should reorganize society to fix this.
Turn off TV at 12:00 midnight like when I was a kid.
“By whatever means necessary” As the saying goes ...
We should reorganize society to fix this.
Turn off TV at 12:00 midnight like when I was a kid.
“By whatever means necessary” As the saying goes ...
Blame someone else, what a great imbecilic game! Get your butt to bed on time!
Racism keeps people awake. And white privilege. Yeah, that....
Midnight boogieball as well............
i get very little sleep... insomnia, sleep apnea, and i have none of those health issues... i am a healthy weight, low blood pressure, low cholesterol... low body fat... not diabetic...
This is BS. Very few of those work, the reason they are to Heavy is what they stuff their mouths with, Free Food so they eat more, look in their shopping carts and see what they Buy. Junk food, microwave goodies etc. quit watching tv and computer and get out and about walking etc. This whole article is full of whinning , you are what you eat. So sick of all the reasons they have for their conditions. Life is hard get up and do something instead of Whinning.
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