Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: April 26, 2024
Sleep and daily pain intensity among Black and White dementia caregivers
Yee To Ng1,2, Daniel Whibley2, Margaret Hicken1
1Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Introduction:
Sleep problems and physical pain are prevalent among dementia caregivers. This study examines daily links between sleep and next-day pain, focusing on differences between Black and White caregivers.
Methods:
Dementia caregivers (N = 210, 34% Black) completed baseline interviews and 5 days of ecological momentary assessments. Each morning, they reported sleep duration and disturbances from the previous night. Pain intensity was reported six times daily and summarized as daily average and time-specific scores.
Results:
Black caregivers reported shorter sleep duration but lower daily pain than White caregivers. In the full sample, greater sleep disturbances predicted higher morning pain. Longer-than-usual sleep duration predicted lower next-day pain (especially evening pain), observed only among Black caregivers.
Discussion:
Findings highlight the role of daily sleep patterns in pain. Sleep duration may be a beneficial intervention target for Black caregivers, who reported shorter sleep. Promoting consistent, healthy sleep may help manage pain among dementia caregivers.
Related Concept Videos
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Dementia
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Management of Insomnia
Dementia l: Introduction