A new study, published in the journal SLEEP, examined the correlation between insomnia prior to deployment on the post-deployment onset of mental illness.  Using data from two consecutive Millennium Cohort Questionnaires, the researchers collected self-reported information from over 15,000 participants.  For those that had shorter sleep duration or symptoms of insomnia before deployment, there was an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety once they returned home.

This study compared the relative risk from insomnia symptoms and combat-related trauma on the development of PTSD.  The magnitude of risk that came from insomnia was almost as high as the risk from combat trauma.  Other studies also show that military personnel on active duty are more susceptible to sleep disorders including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers found that these individuals were more likely to have mental illnesses as comorbidities with their sleep disorders.

Mental illness in active-duty military and veterans is a well-known issue receiving national attention.  PTSD is usually the most discussed in relation to the military, given that it is a relatively newly identified disorder and is most associated with combat.  Researchers have been studying PTSD to understand its neurological and biological foundations, hoping to identify a cure for this condition.

Depression is the most common mental disorder in the U.S. and veterans account for 14 percent of the total number affected.  It falls just behind PTSD in the most common mental disorders for veterans.  However, when diagnosed, depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses.  Mental health in veterans is a devastating problem, with an estimated 22 veterans that commit suicide every day.

Substance abuse is also prevalent in the veteran population, with many misusing substances as a means of coping.  Alcohol is the most common substance of choice, with veterans accounting for significantly more of the admissions to treatment programs for alcohol abuse.  There were also more veterans than non-veterans using opiates, which may be related to the use of opiate-based pain medications in treatment.

According to the new study, understanding insomnia and how to treat it may help reduce the risk of developing one of the other mental health conditions.  Insomnia includes both difficulty to fall asleep and difficulty staying asleep.  The person wakes up without feeling refreshed and insomnia will impact their health, work, and quality of life.  There are behavioral interventions for improving sleep, over-the-counter sleep aids, and prescription medications that can treat insomnia.