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Contrary to popular stereotypes that claim blacks enjoy more Z's than any other race, an article published by the New York Times asserts that "blacks are the most likely to get shorter, more restless sleep."

Comparatively, Non-Hispanic whites get more and better quality sleep than people of other races, specifically white females. Previous studies have shown that black males get on average 82 minutes less per night than white women.

Though researchers do not know exactly why this is, there are other cases of race having close association with physiological function, outside of the anatomical characteristics of hair texture and skin color.

For example, studies have shown how race is a factor in Cigarettes addiction and predispositions to smoking related illness; Blacks are almost exclusively prone to developing sickle-cell anemia. Now racial sleep disparities may explain why certain minority groups experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and obesity more than other groups.

Some experts believe that socioeconomic situations may influence the sleep pattern presented, a probable conclusion since more blacks and Hispanics straddle or live well below the poverty line compared to other groups.

People whoin housing projects in low income neighborhoods live through crowded noisy, dangerous days that effect their sleep habits at night.

Sleep experts also believe the sleeping disparity can be due to a theory of "autonomy" where people who feel secure over their lives get better rest than those who feel insecure, scared, or stressed.

Regardless of the reason, better sleep is essential too living a healthy and productive life. Dr. Mercedes R. Carnethson an associate professor of preventative medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine tells the New York Times:

"When people aren't sleeping as well during the night, they aren't as productive during the day, and they're not as healthy--we need to be thinking about sleep the same way we think about diet and exercise."

So remember: sleep deprivation in order to complete a project or fulfill a commitment is not only impractical but unhealthy.