Delivering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Military Personnel and Veterans

Monica R Kelly1, Ruth Robbins2, Jennifer L Martin3

  • 1Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, 11E, 16111 Plummer Street, North Hills, CA 91343, USA.

Sleep Medicine Clinics
|April 29, 2019
PubMed

Insomnia is commonly reported by military populations, especially those with comorbid mental and physical health conditions. Co-occurring conditions result in an altered presentation of insomnia symptoms, and complicate provision of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), requiring supplementary assessment or modifications to traditional techniques. CBT-I has consistently demonstrated positive outcomes for active-duty service members and veterans, even in the context of significant comorbidities such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, sleep apnea, and chronic pain. Despite its promise, studies of CBT-I in some populations, including women and individuals with substance use disorders, remain relatively understudied in active-duty and veteran populations.

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