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Insufficient Sleep and Behavioral Health in the Military: A 5-Country Perspective
Sara E Alger1, Clare Bennett2, Neanne Bennett3
1Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 29010, US. sara.e.alger.civ@health.mil.
Current Psychiatry Reports
|May 3, 2024
Summary
Military service members frequently experience insufficient sleep, impacting behavioral health. Leader involvement in promoting healthy sleep is crucial for improving sleep duration and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Military health research
- Sleep science
- Behavioral health
Background:
- Sleep deprivation is a significant issue in military populations.
- Understanding the interplay between sleep, behavioral health, and leadership is vital for service member well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between sleep, behavioral health, and leader involvement in English-speaking militaries.
- To quantify the prevalence of insufficient sleep among service members.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from military personnel in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States.
- Analysis of self-reported sleep duration, sleep problems, and behavioral health symptoms.
- Assessment of the impact of leader promotion of healthy sleep.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of service members reported sleeping less than 7 hours per night.
- Shorter sleep duration correlated with increased behavioral health symptoms.
- Leader promotion of healthy sleep was associated with better sleep outcomes and fewer behavioral health issues.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient sleep is widespread in the military, negatively affecting service member health and performance.
- Leadership engagement in promoting healthy sleep is a critical intervention point.
- Addressing sleep deficits is essential for military readiness and personnel welfare.
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