Sleep and daily pain intensity among Black and White dementia caregivers

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.