Sleep disorder symptoms, including sleep apnea and insomnia, significantly influence the outcomes of stress treatment among post-deployment military service members.
In a two-arm, single-center, randomized controlled trial conducted in Okinawa, Japan, active duty service members from all military branches were examined for the impact of sleep disorders on stress treatment outcomes. Using the Global Sleep Assessment Questionnaire and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, researchers assessed the relationship between sleep disorders and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PSS). Participants' sleep disorder symptoms were evaluated prior to intervention.
Results show a strong correlation between sleep disorder symptoms, including excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty sleeping due to work conditions, involuntary movements during sleep, and feelings of anxiety or sadness, and PSS outcomes. The presence of these symptoms, together with factors such as demanding work schedules, possible sleep apnea, insomnia, anxiety, and depression, contributed significantly to the effectiveness of PSS treatment. These findings suggest that addressing sleep disorders could potentially enhance PSS treatment responses in service members.
