Sleep Disturbances and Racial Gap in Injuries Linked to Police-Involved Deaths
In two groundbreaking studies, the impact of police violence on the health and well-being of Black Americans has been brought to light. One study associates police-involved deaths with sleep disturbances, while the other uncovers a racial disparity in injuries caused by police use of Tasers. These findings underscore the urgent need to address the health consequences of police violence.
Study 1: Sleep Disturbances Following Police-Involved Killings
The first study examined the responses of over 2 million individuals between 2013 and 2019. Researchers focused on sleep patterns in the months following police-involved killings of unarmed Black individuals. The results revealed a disturbing trend of sleep disturbances among Black individuals, particularly those who reported getting less than six hours of sleep. This pattern was not observed among white individuals. The study highlighted a 11.4% increase in reports of very short sleep among Black respondents following prominent police-involved deaths. Even deaths occurring in the same state as the survey respondent led to a 6.5% increase in sleep disturbances.
While the study cannot establish a causal relationship, adjustments were made for various factors such as age, sex, and education. Despite these adjustments, the pattern of increased sleep disturbance among Black individuals following police-involved deaths persisted. Dr. Atheendar Venkataramani, the lead researcher, emphasized that discrimination can manifest in unequal exposure to police use of force. Poor sleep not only affects immediate well-being but also raises the risk of various diseases and premature death.
Study 2: Racial Disparities in Injuries Caused by Police Use of Tasers
The second study, the first of its kind, examined national data on injuries resulting from the use of Tasers and similar weapons by police. Researchers analyzed emergency department data from October 2019 to December 2020 and identified 1,276 visits where injuries coincided with police use of these “conducted energy” devices. Shockingly, nearly 36% of those injured were Black, despite comprising only 13.6% of the general U.S. population. In contrast, white individuals accounted for 39% of the injured, while Hispanic, Native American, and Asian or Pacific Islander individuals made up the remaining percentages.
The injuries sustained included puncture wounds, concussions, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. While the devices are known to cause falls, the researchers were unable to determine whether the injuries resulted from improper use of the weapons or their inherent risk. Kevin Griffith, a co-author of the study, stressed the importance of providing law enforcement officers with proper training to minimize the risk of long-term injuries.
These studies shed light on the significant health consequences of police violence on Black Americans. Understanding and addressing these issues is paramount to reducing harm and promoting justice. Immediate action must be taken to ensure the well-being and safety of Black individuals during encounters with law enforcement.
