TL/DR –
A study published in CHEST reveals that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases health risks and mental health challenges in active-duty military personnel. The study analyzed data from 59,203 active-duty military personnel and found that those with OSA had notably higher risks for physical and psychological health issues, including a three times greater risk for traumatic brain injury and four times greater risk for posttraumatic stress disorder. The researchers further highlighted that OSA is associated with increased healthcare utilization, as it led to an additional 170,511 outpatient, 66 inpatient, and 1,852 emergency department encounters per year.
Impact of Sleep Disorders on Active-Duty Military Personnel’s Health
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep disorders significantly affect the overall health and performance of active-duty service members, a study published in CHEST reveals.
The study, led by Emerson M. Wickwire, Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, scrutinized the ramifications of OSA amongst active-duty military personnel. The analysis incorporated data from 59,203 military service members below 65 years, pulled from the Military Data Repository spanning 2016 to 2021, post their OSA diagnosis.
OSA was found to amplify the risk of multiple physical and psychological health problems when compared to those without the disorder. These include a threefold elevated risk for traumatic brain injury and a fourfold increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder. OSA was also linked to an additional 170,511 outpatient, 66 inpatient, and 1,852 emergency department encounters per year.
Col. Vincent F. Capaldi II, M.D., from the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland, emphasized the significance of sleep health, stating it’s not merely a medical issue but also a force readiness concern. “Sleep health must be prioritized as a critical component of operational performance and long-term well-being for the force,” he remarked.
It’s worth noting that one of the authors disclosed associations with the biopharmaceutical industry. Learn more about the study here.
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