An Analysis of Research Trends on Sleep Hygiene in Soldiers Using a Scoping Review

Soldiers often experience poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep, exacerbated by deployments, which significantly impact on their mental and physical health, including increased risks of psychological disorders and chronic illnesses, ultimately affecting military readiness and morale. This study aimed to identify research trends on sleep hygiene among soldiers through a scoping review to provide foundational data for the development of health promotion programs and policies.

A scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) process. This study was performed using 9 databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Web of Science, KMBASE, KISS, KNBASE, ScienceOn, and DBpia. Of 4,796 publications identified, 16 studies were ultimately included in this scoping review. Factors associated with soldiers' sleep hygiene were categorized based on the socio-ecological model, which included individual, organizational, and intervention related factors. The study was deemed exempt by the Institutional Review Board of the Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy.

Most studies reported significant challenges to sleep hygiene among soldiers, with common issues including insufficient sleep duration and poor sleep quality, especially under high-stress conditions such as deployment and shift work. A total of 41 factors influencing soldiers' sleep hygiene were identified: 20 at the individual level, 12 at the organizational level, and 9 at the intervention level.

This review analyzed research trends on sleep hygiene among soldiers. It highlights the need for programs and policy support to improve sleep hygiene in soldiers, which, in turn, can enhance their health and strengthen overall combat readiness.