U.S military not getting enough sleep – study

Friday 1st February 2013

Researchers have found in a new study that 85% of the U.S military participants had a sleep disorder.

The study that took place at the Madigan Army Medical Centre in Tacoma, Washington involved analysis of 725 diagnostic polysomnograms – used to diagnose sleep problems – that were performed at the army centre in 2010. The study participants were active duty military personnel from the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy; 93.2% were male and 85% of the group were combat veterans.

The study found that on average the participants were only sleeping for 5.74 hours per night and 41.8% said they slept for 5 hours or less each night. 51% of the participants were found to have obstructive sleep apnoea and 25% had insomnia. Sleep may vary from one individual to another but most adults need between 7 and 8 hours sleep each night to feel alert and refreshed during the day. Even though sleep deprivation is known to be part of the military culture, however the results from the study are worrying in military personnel as it increases the risk of any potential accidents.

Tags: sleep research study military Army obstructive apnoea

Category: Sleep Research

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