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 Highlighting the Importance of Sleep
Sometimes it all comes down to a decent night’s sleep. Sleep affects every aspect of day-to-day life, from mental to physical to emotional.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that insufficient sleep is common across the U.S., from 30 – 46% per state. The consequences of sleep deprivation can include:
- Depression
- Fuzzy thinking
- Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and higher blood pressure
The benefits of healthy sleep can include:
- Better immunity
- Less stress
- Improved mood
- Better heart health
“[sleeping well] gives me a good outlook on life… at times when I’m sleeping well I’m able to focus and I’m able to accomplish things, sometimes I even smile.†– Veteran quote
Veterans and Sleep Disturbances
Unfortunately, Veterans experience insomnia and other sleep disturbances at a high rate. A large 2019 – 2020 study concluded that almost two in five U.S. Veterans experience clinical or subthreshold insomnia.
Other studies also show the negative effect of sleep disturbances for Veterans. Many sleep conditions increase likelihood of suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior and even risk of suicide death. Besides insomnia, sleep disturbances may include nightmares, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and others.
The Veterans Health Library offers an entire section devoted to sleep problems. It covers topics like sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, and insomnia. There are also tools and resources to help you with a variety of sleep challenges.
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“If I don’t sleep well, it’s going to screw up everything … if you sleep well, everything else is going to fall in line.†– Veteran quote
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Are sleep problems affecting your daily life? Or the life of a Veteran you know or care for? There are treatments proven to help! March is Sleep Awareness Month, so now is the perfect time to explore new ways to get better sleep.
The Treatment Works for Vets website introduces Veterans to evidence-based therapies. Visit the path to Sleeping Better to see what Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Insomnia treatment might look like. You can also explore personal goals and find treatment options inside and outside VA.
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Path to Better Sleep helps you screen for sleep disorders, understand sleep hygiene, self-manage insomnia, and learn about sleep apnea.
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CBT-i Coach is a free app designed to augment face-to-face care with a health professional. Professionals can spread the word about CBT-i Coach and other apps with the Veterans App & Resources card. Request copies of these cards on our no cost order form. Â
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Gathering Evidence: Rocky Mountain MIRECC researchers demonstrated that internet-based interventions are a promising public health approach for Veterans with insomnia. Read the evidence here.
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Rocky Mountain MIRECC Research on Sleep, Suicide Risk, and Promising Treatments
How does insomnia affect Veterans with serious mental illness? Read the publication here.
Can we leverage technology to improve insomnia symptoms and suicidal ideation with cognitive behavioral therapy? Read the publication here.
What factors influence Veteran adherence to sleep disorder treatments? Read the publication here.
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