There have already been multiple studies showing the strong correlation between military deployments and chronic health conditions. In recent years, public awareness of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has shed light on the need to provide our troops and veterans with better access to mental healthcare. Unfortunately, a new study has further stressed this issue, suggesting that sleep disorders are also on the rise in the U.S military.
Background on the MILITARY Study
The University of Texas Health and Science Center at San Antonio recently published research highlighting the connection between military deployments and serious sleep disorders. For the study, researchers searched the medical records of active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine personnel for diagnoses of insomnia and sleep apnea. Both conditions can cause short- and long-term physical and mental health problems for troops and veterans.
Although sleep disorders have always been a subject of interest in the military, most studies have focused on just one branch – mainly the Army – or were based on surveys. The University of Texas study is significant because it is the first to look at the prevalence of sleep disorders across all military branches – except for the Space Force, which didn’t exist at the time, and the Coast Guard, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security.
The study concluded that insomnia diagnoses increased 45-fold, while obstructive sleep apnea rose 30-fold among U.S. service members from 2005 to 2019. Men who were married, White, age 40 or older, and higher-ranking enlisted soldiers were found to be the most likely to be diagnosed with either disorder. Researchers expect the study to facilitate more investigation into the causes of sleep disorders in the military. They are also advising military medical leaders to consider interventions, enhanced insomnia screenings, and more widespread screening for sleep apnea.
How We Are HelpING
At Advanced Homecare, we are proud to support the brave men and women who protect our country. For troops with sleep apnea, we provide a specialized PAP machine perfect for military servicemen and women. Traveling with a full-sized PAP machine is often unrealistic and can take up precious cargo space. Our TravelPAP machine weighs less than a pound and is portable enough to take on the go, whether you’re on official business or currently deployed.
If you are a TriCare Active-Duty Member, you may qualify to receive a TravelPAP machine at absolutely no cost to you! Fill out the form below to find out if you are eligible to receive a FREE TravelPAP machine.
Not active duty? Feel free to use the contact form below to request a custom out-of-pocket quote.
