0402 Mediating Effects of Social Support on Associations Between Stress and Insomnia

Abstract Introduction Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that is linked to environmental/social factors and medical illnesses. Insomnia is associated with stress, defined as the mental or emotional pressure experienced when an individual is faced with adverse or demanding circumstances that are perceived to or exceed their ability to cope. While stress can lead to insomnia, it is hypothesized that social support could affect the association between stress and insomnia. To understand this mechanism, the presented study examines the relationship between stress and insomnia among blacks, highlighting the role of social support in this demographic. Methods Black Participants (N=618; female= 65%, male= 35%), ages 18 and older, from 2 NIH-funded studies, ESSENTIAL and MOSAIC, provided sociodemographic data and completed questionnaires on behavioral and social determinants of sleep and health. Perceived stress, insomnia and social support were evaluated using the perceived stress scale, the insomnia severity index, and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support questionnaire, respectively. Descriptive and linear regression analyses were performed to explore the association between insomnia, stress, and social support. Mediation analysis was conducted to establish and understand the effect of social support on stress score and ISIScore. All analyses were performed using SPSS 29. Results Regression analysis revealed stress as the strongest predictor of insomnia in blacks β= .227; p .001. The model adjusted for sex, age, and states (New York vs Florida). Perceived social support was significantly associated with a decrease in stress score and insomnia, β= -.152; p.001. Mediation analysis revealed that the effect between Stress Score and ISIScore via the intermediary variable of Social Support is statistically significant (p=0.0005). Conclusion Stress is a robust predictor of insomnia among blacks. However, social support mediates this relationship by decreasing both stress and insomnia. Further research should investigate the importance of social support to promote better overall health and sleep. Support (if any) NIH R01AG067523, R01HL142066, K01HL135452