Citation

Urquhart GJ, Sisson LN, Spira AP, Rojo-Wissar DM, Park JN, White RH, Sherman SG. Sleep Health 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.sleh.2020.10.004

PMID

33221254

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate correlates of restless sleep among street-based female sex workers (FSW) in the United States, an understudied population experiencing high rates of structural vulnerabilities (eg, homelessness, food insecurity) and trauma.

METHODS: Using data from a cohort of street-based cisgender FSW (n = 236; median age = 35 years, 68% non-Hispanic White), we examined cross-sectional associations of individual, interpersonal, and structural factors with frequent restless sleep over the past week (5-7 Vs <5 days).

RESULTS: Participants reported a high prevalence of homelessness (62%), food insecurity (61%), daily heroin injection (53%), lifetime sexual or physical violence (81%), and frequent restless sleep (53%). Older age, food insecurity, poor self-rated health, and cumulative violence exposure were independently associated with frequent restless sleep.

CONCLUSION: Frequent restless sleep was prevalent among FSW with higher odds among those experiencing intersecting vulnerabilities and multiple exposures to violence. Further research on sleep health in this population is needed to understand its role in health risks.

Language: en

Keywords

Trauma; Violence; Restless sleep; Street-based female sex workers; Structural vulnerability