More than 1 in 3 queer youths report trouble falling or staying asleep
Every June, Pride month shines a light on the rights and struggles of the LGBT+ community. Huge strides have been made since the Gay Rights movement first began in the 1960s, but there is still a long way to go before true equality is achieved.
And one way in which queer people are struggling more than heterosexuals is their sleep. Studies have found that members of the LGBT+ community suffer from lower quality of sleep overall, and discrimination has a part to play in this.
This Pride month, we’re going to take a closer look at the relationship between queer people and sleep, exploring the factors stopping LGBT+ individuals from experiencing a good night’s rest.
Queer youths more than twice as likely to suffer sleep problems
A study published in the journal LGBT Health found that gay, lesbian and bisexual youth are at far greater risk of sleep problems than their straight counterparts.
Analysing more than 8,500 young people aged 10 to 14, researchers found that those who identified under the LGBT+ umbrella reported greater trouble falling or staying asleep. 35.1% of LGBT+ youth suffered from sleep problems, compared to 13.5% of straight-identifying adolescents.
Sleep is vital for teenagers, supporting growth spurts and hormonal changes, but worsening mental health in queer youth can disrupt sleep quality. Studies have shown that LGBT+ teenagers suffer more bullying, stress and substance abuse than straight youths, and psychiatrist and researcher Dr Matthew Hirschtritt explains, “It’s likely that one feed off the other – poor sleep worsening mental health issues and mental health issues worsening sleep.”
Why do LGBT+ people suffer more sleep problems?
It’s not just LGBT+ youth that suffer from sleep issues. A study published in the journal Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity explored sleep habits in 15,000 participants of all ages, and found that queer people reported more trouble both falling and staying asleep in general.
The study also found that queer people suffer with more stress in their lives, particularly stress caused by familial rejection. Most LGBT+ people have faced ignorance or discrimination in some form at some point during their lives. This can impact their mental wellbeing and, therefore, make them more susceptible to sleep disturbances.
Support from family and friends can help LGBT+ people rest easy
Co-author of the LGBT Health study, Kyle T. Ganson, says family and loved ones of queer folk can help by actively showing support for them, and being involved in their lives. Supporting LGBT+ identities and feelings is “crucial for positive health outcomes”, especially during adolescence, given the “social pressures and physical, psychological and emotional changes that occur.”
LGBT+ people aren’t powerless when it comes to improving their own sleep habits. While dealing with stress head on and seeking support can help in the long term, simply prioritising sleep can also result in positive changes.
Making time for relaxation before bed can reduce stress levels and help your mind and body relax. For the hour before bed, avoid screens and instead engage in a relaxing activity like reading, meditating, a hot bath or gentle yoga.
Ensuring your bedroom is cool and dark is also key to good sleep, as is avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the run up to bedtime. Carving out enough time to enjoy the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night can improve sleep habits and mental health in the long run, making for a happier, healthier life overall.
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