A comprehensive evaluation of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea in US military personnel

Aug 25, 2022Sleep

Insomnia, sleep apnea, and their overlap in US military personnel

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Abstract

Insomnia was diagnosed in 32.7% and obstructive sleep apnea in 30.4% of active duty military personnel.

Comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA) was identified in 36.9% of participants.
Individuals with insomnia only and COMISA experienced greater insomnia severity and disruptive nocturnal behaviors compared to those with obstructive sleep apnea alone.
Those with insomnia only and COMISA reported higher rates of fatigue, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
No significant differences were observed among the three groups regarding excessive daytime sleepiness, shift work disorder (SWD), or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the sleep disorders of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and comorbid insomnia and OSA (COMISA) in active duty military personnel.

METHODS: Prospective observational study of 309 military personnel with a mean age of 37.17 years (SD = 7.27). Participants served in four branches of the U.S. military (47.9% Air Force, 38.8% Army, 11.3% Navy, and 1.9% Marines). Sleep diagnoses were rendered after video-polysomnography and a clinical evaluation. Validated self-report measures assessed insomnia severity, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, disruptive nocturnal behaviors, nightmare disorder, shift work disorder (SWD), sleep impairment, fatigue, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, anxiety, depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). General linear models and Pearson chi-square tests were used for between-group differences in data analyses.

RESULTS: Insomnia was diagnosed in 32.7%, OSA in 30.4% and COMISA in 36.9%. Compared to military personnel with OSA alone, those with insomnia only and COMISA had significantly greater insomnia severity, disruptive nocturnal behaviors, sleep-related impairment, rates of nightmare disorder, and poorer sleep quality (all Ps < .05). They also reported greater symptoms of fatigue, PTSD, anxiety, and depression (all Ps < .05). There were no significant differences among the three sleep disorder diagnostic groups on sleepiness, SWD, or TBI.

CONCLUSIONS: Military personnel with insomnia only and COMISA overall report worsened symptoms of sleep disorders, sleep-related impairment, fatigue, and psychiatric disorders than those with OSA. Results highlight the importance of a comprehensive assessment for sleep-related impairment, sleep, and comorbid disorders in military personnel with clinically significant sleep disturbances.

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A comprehensive evaluation of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea in US military personnel

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