A Review of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Sleep-memory Associations and the Potential Contributions of Social Determinants of Sleep

We highlight evidence within the last 5 years of racial and ethnic differences in sleep-memory associations and explore potential causes and treatments of poor sleep in minoritized racial and ethnic groups.

Emerging research suggests that memory performance in Black adults may be more sensitive to sleep quality than in White adults. Sleep quality and sleep duration are also associated with memory performance in other minoritized racial and ethnic groups, including Asian and Hispanic adults. However, comparisons between groups are scarce.

Poor sleep is associated with poor memory outcomes in minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Social determinants of health, including racism-related stress, discrimination, and neighborhood conditions, may contribute to these associations. More experimental and epidemiology research is needed to fully understand the relationship between sleep and memory performance in minoritized racial and ethnic groups. We conclude with suggested future directions for sleep and memory research.