The combination of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea can be a dangerous combination for U.S. veterans, resulting in a much higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, among other conditions.
As U.S. Military Pilots Play a Central Role in the Iran War, Concerns Grow About Managing Their Fatigue
Unlike in civilian aviation, military pilots face irregular and extended duty hours, night operations, high-altitude missions and deployment environments with limited rest opportunities. In the Iran War, for example, flight operations can exceed 34 hours, increasing the risk of in-flight errors and reduced alertness. Countermeasures include behavioral interventions, operational adjustments and pharmacologic agents. In many cases, multifaceted strategies are the most successful in helping to fully restore performance without adequate rest.
Military Culture Might Play a Role in Eating Disorders Linked to Insomnia
In U.S. veterans, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with more eating disorder symptoms, such as binge‐eating and restrictions, according to a recent study.
Sleep Apnea Found to Be ‘Critical’ Issue for Military Personnel
Screening, triage and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be a game-changer for the U.S. military, according to a new study.
Martin Focuses on Improving Sleep-Disorder Treatment for Veterans
We spend approximately one-third of our lives asleep, but it’s only been in the last couple of decades that the medical community has begun to understand in detail just how important sleep can be to our lives.
Sleep Disruption Common in VHA Subacute Rehabilitation Facilities
Sleep disruptions are common at VHA subacute rehabilitation facilities, according to a new study recommending the examination of environmental factors.
Telehealth Offers Promising Alternative to Traditional Sleep Medicine Care
Insufficient and disturbed sleep, as well as clinical sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, shift work disorder and nightmare disorder, are highly prevalent in the U.S. military and can result in increased accident risk and diminished military readiness.
Total Alcohol Abstinence Not Necessary to Benefit From CBT for Insomnia
Patients seeking treatment for insomnia are urged to abstain from alcohol, which is known to disrupt sleep. Sleep disturbances often continue, however, even in those who are abstinent, which decreases the likelihood of treatment completion and increases the risk of relapse.
Does Sleep Deprivation Lower Military Vaccination Effectiveness?
The dangers of sleep deprivation in military personnel is well-documented; issues include a detrimental effect on readiness and a higher likelihood of errors and injuries.
Chronic Insomnia Plagues Active Duty Servicemembers, Affects Readiness
Sleep issues continue to torment military personnel, and the military is increasingly concerned, because insufficient sleep from chronic insomnia poses a direct threat to military operational readiness. Soldiers in the Army have been most effected. Still, a recent study pointed out that clinical guidelines on treating the issues aren’t always being followed.
Many Veterans are Hesitant to Seek Help for Sleep Problems, Alcohol Abuse
Military service and trauma have been linked to an increased risk for substance abuse and mental health disorders. Yet research suggests a lack of willingness to seek treatment for these problems keeps many veterans from getting the help they need.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Aging Women Tends to Differ From Men
Obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder associated with persistent collapse or narrowing of the upper airway during sleep, has been linked to several detrimental outcomes including excessive daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, neurocognitive decline and metabolic disorders.
Chronic Inflammation in mTBI Affects Sleep Quality
Occurring immediately after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), elevations of inflammatory cytokine levels can persist for years and are associated with neuropsychological outcomes, including depression and PTSD symptoms.
Daily Physical Activity Helps Less Serious Insomnia
An often recommended lifestyle intervention for insomnia is physical activity (PA). It is not clear, however, that more activity benefits patients across the range of insomnia severity.
Anger Contributes to PTSD Sleep Disorders
Anger is a major contributor to sleep problems among military servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder.
What Causes Sleep Apnea in Injured Servicemembers?
Even though military servicemembers have few traditional risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea, the condition is prevalent in that cohort.
What Soldiers Are Most at Risk of Acting on Suicide Ideation?
The statistics are alarming. More soldiers die from self-inflicted gunshot wounds than combat injuries. Eighty-three percent of firearm deaths in the military are from suicide.
Insomnia Has Affected Nearly 1 in 5 Veterans During the Pandemic
Sleep is essential to mental and physical well-being, and not getting enough sleep can lead to stress or difficulties concentrating, solving problems—even fighting off infection. At the same time, stress and anxiety can also lead to disrupted sleep.
Many Female VA Patients Appear to Have Undiagnosed OSA
Too many women veterans remained undiagnosed with sleep apnea, even if they were at high risk of adverse outcomes, according to a new study.
Sleep Disorders More Prevalent in Army Vs. Other Services
While sleep problems are widespread in active-duty U.S. military servicemembers, Army personnel appear to have the most problems.
Rates of Insomnia Disorders in Younger Veterans ‘Alarming’
Sleep researchers at the VA have sent out a distress signal about the high rates of insomnia disorder in younger veterans.
Recent Veterans Have ‘Alarmingly High’ Rates of Insomnia Disorder
Study Linked Severe Sleep Problems with PTSD, Suicide SAN DIEGO—Recent veterans who receive care at the VA have “alarmingly high” rates of insomnia disorder, according to a new study finding that the condition was diagnosed in more than half of the sample studied. The...
Sleep Apnea Increases Need for Opioids in Veterans
WEST HAVEN, CT — Does sleep disruption caused by obstructive sleep apnea lead to hyperalgesia and contribute to poor pain control and use of prescription opioids?
Veterans with PTSD, mTBI Often Have Rare Thrashing Sleep Disorder
PORTLAND, OR—A thrashing form of sleep behavior is much more common among military veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or concussion, compared to the general population. Now, researchers at the VA Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health &...
Deadly Combination for Veterans: Obstructive Lung Disease Plus Sleep Apnea
ATLANTA—Among veterans, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and obstructive sleep apnea all occur at significantly higher rates than in the general population. Greater rates of smoking and obesity contribute to the elevated risk for these conditions in...
Obesity Doesn’t Affect BP Declines with Sleep Apnea Therapy
PHILADELPHIA—Many, but not all, patients with obstructive sleep apnea see a decline in blood pressure with positive airway pressure treatment. A new study raised the question of whether the BP response related to sleep apnea therapy might be linked to obesity. The...
Personalization, In-Home Adaptation Necessary to Improve CPAP Adherence
INDIANAPOLIS—To improve adherence to continuous positive airway pressure treatment, more emphasis needs to be put on support for sleep apnea patients in their homes, where the equipment actually is used. That’s according to a new study noting that better solutions are...
Regular CPAP use improves women’s sexual quality of life
SEATTLE — Long-term use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea improves a range of health markers including, for women, improvement in sexual quality of life. That’s according to an observational study in JAMA...
Underuse of CPAP, related problems more common with nonobese veterans
Low respiratory arousal threshold (ArTH) is common among veterans with obstructive sleep apnea and appears to be linked to underuse of CPAP therapy, according to a new study.
Study identifies which veterans are at greatest risk for sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) in veterans is associated with cardiovascular disorders, chronic prescription opioid use and increased hospital admissions related to those issues, according to a new study.