Sleep quality and cultural orientation among Chinese and Korean undergraduates in the United States

Objective: The present study examined the relationship between cultural orientation styles and sleep quality among Chinese and Korean undergraduates in the United States. Method: A total of 266 participants (M-age = 20.55 years, SD = 1.93; 49% Chinese, 51% Korean) completed an online survey. Ethnic identity and American identity measures were used to categorize participants into one of four cultural orientations: bicultural, Asian, American, and marginal. Sleep quality was assessed using the well-validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: Seventy percent of participants were poor-quality-sleepers. Regression models showed that marginal orientation was associated with worse sleep quality as compared to bicultural orientation and Asian orientation. Conclusions: Poor sleep is prevalent among Asian undergraduates in the U.S. and may be further heightened for those who are disconnected from both their ethnic and American cultures. Promoting a sense of cultural connectedness may help to increase their sleep quality.