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What We Do

The Sleep, Mind, & Health Research Program integrates frameworks and methodologies from psychology, public health, social work, and medicine to understand how structural and sociocultural risk and resilience factors (e.g., nativity status, socioeconomic status, discrimination stress, cultural values, and neighborhood factors) affect sleep, mental health, and cardiovascular health particularly in racial/ethnic and immigrant communities. We use quantitative and qualitative methods such as survey methods, in person interviews, and focus groups, as well as objective behavioral assessments that capitalize on recent technological advances, to study human behavior in its context. We also aim to use research as a tool to advocate for marginalized communities.  

The Goal

The primary goal of this research program is to advance health equity by translating epidemiological findings on social determinants of health to the development and rigorous testing of culturally tailored and evidence-based behavioral interventions to reduce sleep health and cardiovascular health disparities. We also strive to maintain an active and independent community engagement arm through participation in community workshops, public health fairs, and other activities with our community partners.  

The work of the Sleep, Mind, & Health Research Program has been funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Aging, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University, the Office of the Provost at Columbia University, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.