Veterans are disproportionately affected by sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which frequently exacerbate one another’s symptoms and have serious negative health effects. Hyper-vigilance, sleeplessness, and nightmares are common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans, which interfere with their sleep cycles. The presence of sleep apnea, namely obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), worsens the quality of sleep, leading to a vicious cycle of reduced sleep and exacerbation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Veterans are more likely to experience this dual diagnosis because of the high levels of stress and trauma connected to military service.
Studies have indicated that there is a higher likelihood of sleep apnea among veterans with PTSD. The BMC Psychiatry study brought to light the strong correlation between increased rates of sleep apnea among veterans and sleep disruptions, such as the short sleep duration typical of PTSD. The confluence of these factors results in elevated levels of weariness during the day, compromised cognitive abilities, and heightened use of medical services (BioMed Central). Additionally, some of the detrimental effects on sleep quality in veterans with PTSD can be mitigated by competent management of sleep apnea, usually by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. On the other hand, the regular use of CPAP machines (SpringerLink) may be impeded by the psychological symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as anxiety and hyper-arousal.
The significance of integrated care approaches that target both sleep apnea and PTSD is emphasized in a review published in Current Psychiatry Reports in order to enhance treatment outcomes. It has showed potential to improve veterans’ overall health outcomes to combine sleep apnea treatments with pharmacologic and psychotherapy interventions for PTSD (SpringerLink). Because of the increased risk of cardiovascular illnesses and other chronic health issues associated with the link between PTSD and sleep apnea, therapy for both conditions must be comprehensive and patient-centered.
It is imperative to manage sleep disorders and provide mental health support as part of integrated care strategies that address this co-occurrence. Since PTSD and sleep apnea are linked conditions that can be treated together to greatly improve outcomes, a holistic approach is crucial to enhancing the health and quality of life for veterans (VA.gov | Veterans Affairs).
At Caliper Wellness, we help diagnose, treat, and integrate medical referrals to start the management process of PTSD associated with sleep apnea. We believe in using integrated care techniques that include mental health support and sleep disorder management—such as pharmacological and psychotherapy interventions—to help patients with PTSD and sleep apnea improve both sleep quality and overall health outcomes.
References
- BMC Psychiatry. (2018). Factors associated with persistent posttraumatic stress disorder among U.S. military service members and veterans. Retrieved from BMC Psychiatry.
- Current Psychiatry Reports. (2020). Management of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans and Military Service Members: A Review of Pharmacologic and Psychotherapeutic Interventions Since 2016. Retrieved from Springer.
- VA National Center for PTSD. (2023). Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in VA. Retrieved from VA PTSD.
