Identifying Behaviors that Influence Sleep Health and Increase Risk for Insomnia Among Airmen in Technical Training
Abstract
The detriments of chronic insufficient sleep are well documented among military members. For instance, research supports the association of diminished mental and physical health with short sleep duration and nonrestorative sleep. Additionally, insufficient sleep in a military sample, was associated with poor attention, delayed reaction time, diminished cognitive effort, and reduced moral reasoning, which are all instrumental for safe operational outcomes. Within the literature, extensive focus has been given to assessing this population's response to tertiary interventions, treating servicemembers with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Primary and secondary prevention research appears more limited. A population-level approach with military members may generate significant economic and military readiness benefits. This study aimed to assess the current sleep health status (e.g., subjective satisfaction with sleep, adequate duration, sleep efficiency, and sustained alertness during waking hours) of a group of Airmen in technical training. Sleep is instrumental to overall health and performance in a military setting. Sleep influences academic and physical performance, ultimately shaping Airmen's future success in the military.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1163548
Entities
People
- Chase A. Aycock
- Daniel G. Cassidy
- Gerald W. Talcott
- John B. Star
- Jordan Ellis
- Marc Patience
- Rosemary E. Burns
- Xin-qun Wang
Organizations
- 59th Medical Wing
- University of Virginia