--- title: Veterans with PTSD are at Higher Risk for Sleep Disorders description: Over 70% of veterans have sleep apnea, and over half experience chronic nightmares. Learn about sleep disorders in vets. image: https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/veterans-increased-risk-of-sleep-disorders.jpg --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Veterans with PTSD are at Higher Risk for Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/veterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Find me on: [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/julia.steele818) [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/in/juliasteele) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/juliasteelerod) Oct 31, 2016 8:00:00 AM ![veterans-increased-risk-of-sleep-disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/veterans-increased-risk-of-sleep-disorders.jpg?width=424&name=veterans-increased-risk-of-sleep-disorders.jpg) PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) manifests itself in many ways. The symptoms of PTSD aren't limited to distressing memories and emotional trauma. In fact, a large body of research has shown that **veterans suffering from PTSD are at increased risk for a host of sleep disorders. **   The complex relationship between anxiety, breathing problems, hyperarousal, and intrusive memories makes it difficult to isolate the factors causing these [sleep disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-disorders) and can complicate treatment. But a couple things are clear; veterans experience sleep disorders at a very high rate, and it is very important for these disorders be treated in addition to targeting the PTSD itself.  # Veterans with PTSD are at Increased Risk of Sleep Disorders PTSD is associated with a variety of sleep disorders, including [sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea), [insomnia](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/insomnia-causes-symptoms-treatment), and [nightmares](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-to-handle-nightmares).    ## Sleep Apnea and Breathing Problems in Vets Sleep apnea is estimated to affect about 5% of the population in the United States. However, its incidence in men with PTSD has been shown to be much higher. One study^1 of 136 vets with PTSD found that a staggering **77% of vets tested positive for sleep apnea. **Another study^2 of 105 Vietnam-era vets found that 70% of the vets had this sleep disorder. Even in young veterans, the severity of PTSD is positively correlated to risk of [obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleep-disorders#OSA) ^3.** ** The outcomes of these studies, showing a strong correlation between PTSD and sleep apnea, have lead to some doctors recommending that all vets be screened for sleep apnea as part of their treatment.    ## Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances in PTSD Patients It's not surprising that veterans suffering from psychological trauma have trouble sleeping. At least 70% and as much as 90% of vets with PTSD self-report sleeping disturbances^4.  According to one study^5:  - 44% of veterans with PTSD reported having trouble falling asleep fiarly frequently, compared to only 5% of civilians and 5.5% of veterans without PTSD - Over 90% of veterans** **reported having trouble staying asleep at least sometimes, compared to 53% of civilians   ## Nightmares in PTSD [Nightmares](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-to-handle-nightmares) top the list of sleep difficulties associated with PTSD. While nightmares occur frequently in only 3% of the general population, over half of vets with PTSD experience frequent nightmares^5.  The nightmares consist of repeated experiences of combat-related trauma and intrusive memories.  [Periodic limb movements](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleep-disorders#PLMD) often accompany the nightmare as if the veteran is actually reliving the experience.Breathing may become labored and erratic.   # The Importance of Sleep in Treating PTSD Sleep disorders can only compound the emotional and psychological issues associated with PTSD. Poor sleep on its own is linked to [depression](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleep-apnea-increases-depression-risk-in-men), [higher stress levels](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/bedtime-yoga-to-help-you-sleep), and an increase in [negative emotions](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/poor-sleep-lowers-your-emotional-iq). Not being able to get a good night's sleep and the ensuing [emotional and physical strain](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/health-effects-of-sleep-apnea) is a significant stumbling block in the way of returning to mental health.  Additionally, sleeping well during the night is vital for performing well during the day. Veterans who can't sleep find it even more difficult to readjust to civilian life, hold down jobs and maintain relationships.  Sleep disturbance puts them at higher risk to turn to self-medication through substance abuse, self-destructive behaviors or to develop mental disorders.  Part of the solution to this problem is to recognize the extremely high prevalence of sleep disorders in vets and to screen for and treat such sleep-related issues as part of their routine treatment. Returning our troops to emotional health can't happen until they are able to get the rest and restoration they need. If you or a loved one is a veteran with PTSD, or if you're having trouble sleeping for any other reason, we can help diagnose and treat your sleep problems to put your mind and body at rest. [Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) or request a sleep study to get on the road to reclaiming your sleep.   [![Request sleep study](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/299691/3475ae5e-54f4-4d7d-917e-de48489f3a90.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/299691/3475ae5e-54f4-4d7d-917e-de48489f3a90)       **Sources: ** 1) [Dodson, Darrel W. et al. "Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Combat Veterans With PTSD." *Chest Journal.  *](http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/article.aspx?articleid=1087557)2) [Jerome A. Yesavage, M.D. "Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Vietnam Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder." *The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.  *](http://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(12)60090-6/abstract)3) [Peter J. Colvonen, PhD et al. "](http://www.aasmnet.org/JCSM/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=30015)[Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans." ](http://www.aasmnet.org/JCSM/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=30015)*[Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.  ](http://www.aasmnet.org/JCSM/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=30015)*4) [Maher MJ et al. "Sleep disturbances in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: epidemiology, impact and approaches to management." PubMed.  ](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16800716)5) [Thomas C. Neylan, , M.D. et al. "Sleep Disturbances in the Vietnam Generation: Findings From a Nationally Representative Sample of Male Vietnam Veterans." *The American Journal of Psychiatry.*](http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/ajp.155.7.929) [Photo Credit: "A Veteran's Salute". The U.S. Army. Creative Commons License.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter/6343590279/in/photolist-aEyyoc-drKW7A-7HEfyu-dhNKW9-7fmoTZ-5CrVTH-i6GSyy-6qHv69-6jdsvY-5249Mi-Jouet-d9LKd3-aEz3wg-hucQdG-kuJ1qa-oRCDSr-8SvZba-aDPTTc-aEe8hL-6RyzVH-7f6N6v-dhNL3Y-7faKS7-rZaNa-hu33ib-aFa7jp-8S6X2H-hnycqn-aEG6Tp-hu3MQv-aEe4NW-tkkobo-cDwp1J-aDHZQi-7f6YzB-dsrGHS-7ZKwhB-61VeTp-e89T6w-aDSEf1-d9LMTK-6qDCHv-hu3bF5-7fii9v-aEe3Qf-8SEbeh-dsrxwM-7f6xgt-dsqfSK-dTXjt6)   **Other posts you may find interesting:** - [As Claims of Sleep Apnea Rise, More Vets Receive Diagnosis and Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/as-claims-of-sleep-apnea-rise-at-the-va-more-veterans-receive-treatment) - [Does My Dad Have Sleep Apnea?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/does-my-dad-have-sleep-anpea) - [How Does the Affordable Care Act Treat Sleep Apnea?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-affordable-care-act-treating-sleep-apnea) - [How Much Will a Sleep Study Cost Me?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-much-will-a-sleep-study-cost-me) - [How Long Does a Sleep Study Last?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-long-does-a-sleep-study-last)   ***Editor's Note: This post was originally published in August 2015 and has been edited and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.*** Topics: [Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders), [Job-Related Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fveterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fveterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fveterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fveterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Veterans%20with%20PTSD%20are%20at%20Higher%20Risk%20for%20Sleep%20Disorders) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fveterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fveterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Fveterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - 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Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. 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