Sleep disturbance is common in veterans and often causes or exacerbates mental health or cognitive symptoms.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your sleep issues and advocate for a sleep study to pinpoint any medical reasons that can then be treated. Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea are widespread in veterans. The free sleep apps may be helpful:
CBT-i Coach: A free app for people who are engaged in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia with a health provider. The app will guide users through the process of learning about sleep, developing positive sleep routines, and improving their sleep environments. It provides a structured program that teaches strategies proven to improve sleep and help alleviate symptoms of insomnia.
Chill Drills App: Chill Drills by Military OneSource is presented by Heidi J. Bauer, MSW, LCSW, a therapist who works with service members and their families. She developed these guided drills for the military community to help create calm by slowing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and reducing the level of stress hormone in the body. While each drill was designed to help calm your mind and relax your body, some target common challenges, including back pain, negative thoughts and sleeplessness. Practice your favorite drills regularly to lower your baseline stress level and be better prepared to deal with pressure in the future.
Insomnia Coach App: A free, easy-to-use mobile application created for veterans to help manage insomnia. Provides a five-week training plan structured to reset your biological clock and sleep system to make it easier to go to sleep and sleep soundly through the night. The app also teaches you about insomnia and normal sleep, developing good sleep habits, and getting rid of habits that interfere with sleep.
