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Key TakeawaysTrans college students are significantly more likely to develop sleep disorders than their cis counterparts.They are also significantly more likely to develop depression and anxiety, as opposed to their cis peers.Given that trans people continue to experience discrimination, this public health issue deserves greater attention.
Key Takeaways
Trans college students are significantly more likely to develop sleep disorders than their cis counterparts.They are also significantly more likely to develop depression and anxiety, as opposed to their cis peers.Given that trans people continue to experience discrimination, this public health issue deserves greater attention.
Marginalized groups often face health inequitiesdue to oppression. A recent study published inNature and Science of Sleepfound that transgender college students experience greater sleep challenges than their cis peers.
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 221,549 college students across the US and Canada and found that trans participants were significantly more likely to develop bothsleepand mood disorders.
Since trans individuals often face increasedhealth challengesdue to oppression, it is crucial to prioritize greater outreach efforts.
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This study, based on surveys from college students across North America, found that trans participants were 35% more likely to report inadequate sleep, 51% more likely to have trouble falling asleep, and 245% more likely to have a sleep disorder than their cis peers.
Researchers found that trans participants were 295% more likely to report depression, 253% more likely to report anxiety, 345% more likely to consider suicide, and 421% more likely to attempt suicide.
While this research informs recommendations for how to better support trans college students based on a large North American sample, it is worth noting that its primarily white participants are a limitation of this study.
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Therapist withMindpath Health,Brandi Garza, LPC, says, “We can say with certainty that members of the trans community suffer significantly disproportionate rates than their cis counterparts.”
Garza explains, “The average cis individual can become an ally to trans and gender divergent people, and in this instance college students specifically, which can begin with inclusivity in the most basic humanistic needs available on any campus or public place.”
By highlighting how grade schools across America have begun teaching their staff and scholars concepts like “see something say something,” Garza underscores the need to intervene if trans people experience discrimination, harassment or bullying. “We must not stay quiet out of embarrassment or not knowing what to say or do,” she says.
Brandi Garza, LPCPerhaps the most important act as a human being that we can do to alleviate struggles that the trans and gender divergent college students face is a lack of connection to their human peers.
Brandi Garza, LPC
Perhaps the most important act as a human being that we can do to alleviate struggles that the trans and gender divergent college students face is a lack of connection to their human peers.
Garza explains, “In the same way that most of us would respond with urgency to domestic abuse or child abuse, our trans community demands safety. Perhaps the most important act as a human being that we can do to alleviate struggles that the trans and gender divergent college students face is a lack of connection to their human peers.”
When interacting with a trans person, Garza notes that it is important to remember that is not all they are. “Every person has a story and there is no single page that can exclusively define that person,” she says.
To further clarify how to navigate this, Garza highlights, “Introduce yourself to them, learn their story, and share yours. At worst, you had an adult version of story time, and at best, you met a new friend.”
Garza notes that marginalized populations are often more vulnerable to mental health concerns, but she underscores that she has personally never seen numbers like these when speaking to how much more vulnerable an oppressed group is, in comparison to their privileged counterparts.
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Psychologist and clinical communications lead at Big Health,Marie Atallah, PhD, says, “The connection between mental health and sleep is well-documented and researched, and are very closely connected.”
Atallah explains, “If an individual is experiencing poor sleep, in turn, tiredness affects cognitive skills such as attention and memory, to coping with daily life, which can ultimately lead to increasedanxietyand distress. Increased anxiety and distress also impact how well you sleep.”
For trans college students in North America, Atallah notes how the added stress of the college environment can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and distress and further impact their mental health and wellbeing.
Atallah highlights, “As the research points out, trans individuals are more likely to experience discrimination, isolation, and lack of social support, which amounts to an even more stressful experience as college students navigate new social circles, time management, and new environments.”
Since mental health needs worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social injustice, an unwelcoming political climate, social media, etc., Atallah notes how many may be left with even less support options, due totherapist shortagesandburnout, cost, and stigma seeking help.
Marie Atallah, PhDIt’s critical for cis students to advocate for their trans classmates and stand up when hateful rhetoric, microaggressions and transphobic policies persist.
Marie Atallah, PhD
It’s critical for cis students to advocate for their trans classmates and stand up when hateful rhetoric, microaggressions and transphobic policies persist.
Atallah explains, “It is critical for colleges and universities to allocate resources and put support systems in place for college students, particularly students of marginalized communities, as we continue to see high suicide rates and mental health needs in this age group.”
Personalized and confidential mental health support is critical for a marginalized population like trans college students, according to Atallah. “A growing amount of literature consistently shows that trans individuals have alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality,” she says.
Atallah explains, “It’s critical for cis students to advocate for their trans classmates and stand up when hateful rhetoric, microaggressions andtransphobic policiespersist. Cis students are called to recognize their place of power and privilege when these situations arise.”
Specifically, power refers to a cis student’s ability to address the problematic status quo as a member of a non-marginalized group, according to Atallah. “Privilege refers to a cisgender student not being part of a group that is targeted or marginalized due to their identity,” she says.
What This Means For YouAs this research study highlights, trans college students are significantly more likely to develop sleep and mood disorders than their cis peers. If you are able to support this or any marginalized group, you have an ethical responsibility to take action.
What This Means For You
As this research study highlights, trans college students are significantly more likely to develop sleep and mood disorders than their cis peers. If you are able to support this or any marginalized group, you have an ethical responsibility to take action.
1 SourceVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hershner S, Jansen E, Gavidia R, Matlen L, Hoban M, Dunietz GL.Associations between transgender identity, sleep, mental health and suicidality among a North American cohort of college students.Nat Sci Sleep. 2021;13:383-398. doi:10.2147/nss.s286131
1 Source
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hershner S, Jansen E, Gavidia R, Matlen L, Hoban M, Dunietz GL.Associations between transgender identity, sleep, mental health and suicidality among a North American cohort of college students.Nat Sci Sleep. 2021;13:383-398. doi:10.2147/nss.s286131
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hershner S, Jansen E, Gavidia R, Matlen L, Hoban M, Dunietz GL.Associations between transgender identity, sleep, mental health and suicidality among a North American cohort of college students.Nat Sci Sleep. 2021;13:383-398. doi:10.2147/nss.s286131
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