Sleep

A good night’s rest is foundational to our health and performance. Poor sleep can impact most areas of our lives, including our physical and mental health, spiritual and social life, and our nutrition. Problems sleeping are not uncommon for military service members. Many factors contribute to this: irregular and unpredictable shift schedules, restrictions in sleep due to environmental conditions, deployments, stress, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, trauma. 

Signs of problematic sleep patterns:

• Difficulties falling asleep most nights (takes longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep on average)
• Multiple awakenings throughout the night (lasting longer than 30 minutes on average)
• Waking up early and being unable to fall back asleep
• Frequently feeling tired/fatigued after waking
• Irritability and problems concentrating throughout the day

Sleep Hygiene Self-Check Resources:

• Option 1 (VA)
• Option 2 (CHAMP)

What can I do to improve my sleep?

• Review these five tips for optimized rest and recovery
• Consider these 10 myths about sleep and which you might believe that are standing in the way of you getting good zzzz
• If you’re facing sustained operations or shift work, engage in fatigue management strategies
• Get more early morning light, when possible
• Avoid alcohol to sleep more soundly
• Take a (strategic) nap
• Sleep readiness
• Use this Sleep Diary Worksheet
• Sleep Vacation