The Role of Perceived Sleep Quality in Mental and Cognitive Health: A Study of Older Korean Americans Living in Subsidized Senior Housing

This study examined the association between perceived sleep quality and mental and cognitive health among older Korean Americans residing in subsidized senior housing. Survey data from 318 participants (Mean age = 79.5, SD = 6.66) were analyzed. Sleep quality was measured using a single-item self-rating (excellent/very good/good vs. fair/poor). Both screening tools and self-ratings were used for outcomes: mental health with the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ–9) and self-rated mental health and cognitive health with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and self-rated cognitive health. Logistic regression models showed that poor sleep quality was associated with both probable depression (PHQ-9≥ 10) and fair/poor ratings of mental health. It was also associated with poorer ratings of cognitive health but not with MMSE-based cognitive impairment. Our findings suggest that efforts to promote health and well-being in senior housing should specifically address sleep.