More and more Americans are suffering from sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders. Statistics show that 1 in 8 people suffer from a sleep disorder – a statistic that is increasing drastically with each year. Though this wide-ranging ailment has touched the lives of many, it has struck many of our veterans.

The Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics has recently seen an increase in the number of veterans being treated for sleeping problems. Veterans Affairs reports that nationally, more than 63,000 veterans are receiving benefits for sleep apnea. The symptoms of these sleep disorders include nightmares, chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, severe snoring, restless leg syndrome and sleep cycle disturbances. These disorders can be difficult to treat as they often indicate underlying stress or mental trauma. In fact, many sleep problems in active and retired veterans are often a result of post traumatic stress disorder – an unfortunate result of the experiences our veterans have in their missions overseas.

Physicians are treating these sleep disorders by helping veterans adopt better sleep habits and routines. The most common treatment plan includes the avoidance of caffeine and exercise in the evening, setting sleep schedules and using the bedroom only as a place for sleeping. Melatonin supplements have also been used as a healthy, natural solution to help veterans regulate their sleep patterns. Doctors also understand that sleep disorders in veterans are usually complex situations, and choose to use cognitive behavioral therapy in their treatment plans. This type of therapy can lessen stress and anxiety by helping patients identify disturbing thoughts and patterns of thought and then replace them with more positive, healthier ways of viewing their world.