Leaning in to Address Sleep Disturbances and Sleep Disorders in Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency

Abstract

In their article entitled, “Engaging Stakeholders to Optimize Sleep Disorders Management in the U.S. Military: A Qualitative Analysis,” Abdelwadoud and colleagues conducted focus groups of service members, primary care managers (PCMs), and administrative stakeholders about their perceptions, experiences, roles in sleep management, stated education needs, and management of sleep disorders.1 The qualitative methods are rigorous, and the findings reinforce and nuance prior results, especially regarding key requirements from PCMs. We feel compelled, however, to further nuance the authors’ conclusion that “current military sleep management practices are neither satisfactory nor maximally effective” and offer specific examples of actions taken by the Department of Defense (DoD) and Defense Health Agency (DHA) in recognition of the significance of optimal sleep in combat readiness and overall health of service members. We offer here a succinct list of concrete efforts to support and implement substantial clinical, operational, research, or educational efforts by the DoD or DHA to improve sleep in service members and associated clinical challenges in this unique population.