Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
08:36
Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Sleep disturbance during military deployment.
Alan L Peterson1, Jeffrey L Goodie, William A Satterfield
1Department of Psychiatry, Mail Code 7792, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. petersona3@uthscsa.edu
Military Medicine
|April 19, 2008
Summary
Deployed military personnel experience significant sleep disturbances, with most reporting worse sleep quality. Night-shift work exacerbates insomnia symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted sleep support programs.
Area of Science:
- Military medicine
- Sleep science
- Occupational health
Background:
- Sleep disturbance and insomnia are prevalent issues.
- Deployed military personnel face unique environmental stressors impacting sleep.
- Understanding sleep patterns in this population is crucial for well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate sleep disturbance and insomnia symptoms in deployed military personnel.
- To identify factors contributing to poor sleep quality in a deployed setting.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary investigation involving 156 deployed military personnel.
- Administration of a 21-item Military Deployment Survey of Sleep.
- Self-reported data on sleep parameters including quality, efficiency, and onset latency.
Main Results:
- 74% reported significantly worse sleep quality in the deployed environment.
- 40% exhibited sleep efficiency below 85%.
- 42% experienced sleep onset latency exceeding 30 minutes.
- Night-shift workers reported worse sleep efficiency and more sleep difficulties compared to day-shift workers.
Conclusions:
- Deployed military personnel frequently experience poor sleep quality and insomnia.
- Night-shift work is associated with poorer sleep outcomes.
- There is a clear need for interventions and programs to improve sleep for deployed military members.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...