Americans. African Americans take longer to fall asleep, report poorer sleep quality, have more light and less deep sleep, and nap more often and longer. (6) African Americans and individuals in lower socioeconomic status groups may be at an increased risk for sleep disturbances and associated health consequences. (7) Among young African Americans, the likelihood of having sleep disordered breathing and exhibiting risk factors for poor sleep is twice that in young Caucasians. Frequent snoring is more common among African American and Hispanic women and Hispanic men compared to non-Hispanic Caucasians, independent of other factors including obesity. (8) African Americans with sleep-disordered breathing develop symptoms at a younger age than Caucasians but appear less likely to be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. This delay may at least in part be due to reduced access to care. (9) Sleep loss contributes to increased risk for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, all of which have increased prevalence in underserved, underrepresented minorities. Racial and ethnic disparities related to obesity may also contribute to disparities in health outcomes related to sleep-disordered breathing. (10) Non-Caucasian adults report an insomnia rate of 12.9 percent compared to only 6.6 percent for Caucasians. (11) African-American women have a higher incidence of insomnia than African-American men, perhaps related in part to higher risk for chronic persisting symptoms. 792. Sleep and circadian rhythm disorders research activities of the National Institutes of Health (a) In general The Director of the National Institutes of Health, acting through the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, shall— (1) continue to expand research activities addressing sleep health disparities