Does the military cause insomnia?

Insomnia is a prevalent disorder that greatly impacts military personnel, especially those deployed in support of combat efforts. Deployment-related stressors like combat exposure, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) irregular sleep-wake schedules, and adjustment to the return home all contribute to insomnia.

Why do veterans have insomnia?

Veterans have much higher insomnia rates than non-Veterans This issue could stem from several aspects of military life, such as irregular sleep schedules during active duty and harsh living conditions. Physical and psychological injury and post-deployment trouble reintegrating into civilian life may also play a part.

Why do so many veterans have sleep apnea?

All forms of sleep apnea can be problematic for veterans. Many cases are not related to obesity, poor health, or aging. Instead, they are related to neurological or physical damage suffered during service. They could also be the result of substance abuse.

How does the VA test for insomnia?

Insomnia itself does not have a diagnostic code under the VA rating schedule. The disability is currently rated by analogy to a mental health disorder, and the Board finds that the diagnostic codes for mental health disorders most closely approximate the Veteran’s insomnia.

How much sleep do veterans get?

The National Veteran Sleep Survey, which was published in 2012, interviewed 2,866 veterans aged 18 to 96 about their sleep habits. The data suggested that veterans are severely sleep-deprived. The average respondent got just 5.6 hours of sleep nightly, compared to the national average of 6.7 hours.

Can the VA take away my sleep apnea rating?

Can the VA Take Away My Sleep Apnea Rating? Since the condition is not considered a permanent VA disability, you can have your rating taken away by the VA. If the condition resolves over time, and you are reevaluated to not have sleep apnea any more, you will no longer be able to claim that rating for compensation.

How much does the VA pay for insomnia?

Insomnia and other sleep related-disorders can qualify a Veteran for disability benefits if they can prove that their condition was caused by service. Insomnia can be rated anywhere on the VA disability rating scale — from 0–100\% — which means Veterans could receive up to $3,221.85 from the VA for their insomnia.

How does sleep deprivation affect military veterans?

Studies show how military induced sleep deprivation makes soldiers and veterans more prone than the general population to underlying mental illnesses, many of which can lead to conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts and actions.

What is the prevalence of sleepiness in the military?

Authors of a military sleep evaluation proposed that “while the prevalence of sleepiness in the military is largely unknown, it is well established that short sleep duration is endemic.

What is sleep apnea and how does it affect veterans?

Many veterans suffer from various sleep conditions due to their military service, to include Sleep Apnea—a sleep disorder whereby breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep (apneic episodes).

How common are sleep problems in veterans with PTSD?

Specific to Veterans, research suggests that among those who completed Cognitive Processing Therapy at VA, Veterans with OSA who were using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices showed more improvement in PTSD than those who were not addressing OSA (42). In summary, sleep problems are highly prevalent in Veterans with PTSD.