How PTSD and Insomnia Plague Our Military Veterans

PTSD is cruel in many ways.

I’ve seen this disease rob military Veterans of sleep and peace of mind.

We’ve all experienced moments of mental anguish, but most of us know the feeling won’t be permanent and look forward to letting our brains rest when it’s time to sleep.

Sleeplessness due to PTSD doesn’t work that way.

About 40% of Veterans have a sleep disorder at any one time. The presence of insomnia makes their lives more difficult in so many ways. It affects mood, physical health, concentration and the ability to perform simple daily tasks.

A 2022 article in the Journal of Rural Health explains that rural Veterans with insomnia have more physical medical problems. Also, they are less likely to get help than their urban peers.

Today, I’m thinking of the thousands of military Veterans I’ve had the privilege to treat over the last 15 years. I remember the important lessons taught me about the mental health and addiction problems caused by trauma and violence when serving our country.

Their courage and resilience still amaze me.

I’ll try to think about them every day and consider more effective ways to make sure our rural Veterans can access great care.

And, on July 4, let’s remember that the fireworks many of us love so much will likely be triggering to our Veterans who struggle with PTSD.

Photo Credit: Jack Bell Photography