Sleep Problems In Service Members

Key Facts To Know

• Sleep problems, especially insomnia, are very common among Sailors and Marines during and after deployment. If these problems are not treated, they can last for months or even years.
• Poor sleep can lead to poor health--both mental and physical—because your body does not get the quality rest it needs to repair itself.
• Difficulty sleeping can be a symptom of a psychological health condition, such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or depression. Most people with PTSD or depression suffer from insomnia.
• Nightmares are also a common problem for people who have PTSD.
• Sleep problems are linked to alcohol abuse. People with insomnia often drink more, but alcohol can disrupt restful sleep and add to the problem.
• About half of service members with traumatic brain injuries have some sort of sleep disorder. Often, the problem is sleep apnea, which is a breathing disruption that occurs during sleep.
• There are effective treatments for sleep problems, and you should talk to your doctor for recommendations.
• Treatments include practicing good sleep habits, such as regular exercise, learning relaxation techniques and not drinking caffeine in the hours before bedtime.
• Sleep medications may be prescribed. If you have sleep problems as well as a mental health condition, treatments that address both problems, including therapy and medication, may be recommended.