Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Findings from the Sleep Research Society

To characterize representation and inclusion among Sleep Research Society members and examine associations between sociodemographic features and Sleep Research Society experiences.

The Sleep Research Society Taskforce for Diversity and Inclusion developed a web-based questionnaire in 2021, assessing membership data and Sleep Research Society experiences (self-initiated and society-initiated participation, feeling very welcomed, perceptions of inclusiveness, and diversity of viewpoints represented). Frequencies were calculated and adjusted Poisson regression models with robust variance were fit to estimate associations.

Most participants (n = 388; 35.7% of members) were aged 18-49 (61%), non-Hispanic White (65%), and women (59%). Regarding inclusion, 41% participated in ≥2 Sleep Research Society self-initiated activities (abstract submission), 56% in Sleep Research Society-initiated activities (appointed position), 51% felt welcomed, whereas 52% perceived a lack of inclusivity and 65% a lack of diverse viewpoints. Historically minoritized groups and women felt less welcomed compared to non-Hispanic White members and men. Older, biracial, women, gender-divergent, and U.S.-born individuals, were less likely to perceive that there was a diversity of viewpoints represented in the Sleep Research Society. Members of ≥10years and those with a doctoral degree were more likely to participate in Sleep Research Society activities, while sexual and gender minoritized individuals were less likely to do so. Sexual and gender minoritized individuals were more likely to report Sleep Research Society was noninclusive.

Historically minoritized individuals are under-represented in Sleep Research Society and a majority of respondents report not feeling welcomed. These results serve as a baseline benchmark and example for assessing the impact of ongoing and future diversity and inclusion initiatives and provide targets for expanding opportunities for underrepresented individuals in sleep/circadian societies.