Sleep and cognition in Hispanic/Latin American adults: A systematic review

Sleep disturbance is associated with increased risk for cognitive impairment. However, previous research is primarily based on non-Hispanic White individuals, despite higher rates of sleep problems and disorders among Hispanic/Latin American individuals (H/Ls). The present study reviews the current literature on associations between sleep and cognitive function in H/L adults. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we examined literature that (1) examined the association between sleep and cognitive decline in H/Ls, and (2) had a sample with at least 5% H/Ls. We found equivocal evidence of associations between sleep parameters and cognitive performance in H/Ls, with the most compelling evidence supporting a relationship between long sleep and lower cognitive function. Heterogeneity in operationalization and measurement likely contributes to these equivocal findings. Future cross-sectional, experimental, and longitudinal research in H/Ls is needed to address major knowledge gaps.