Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a tough road, and for many veterans, one of the biggest hurdles is sleep. Whether you served recently or years ago, restless nights can affect not just you but your entire family. At GO2 Health, we understand these challenges and are here to offer the support you need.
Did you know, that as many as 89% of Australian veterans experience sleep disturbances? This rate is more than double that of the general population.1 Whether you hung up your uniform last year or decades ago, you’re not alone in facing this struggle.
It's more than just being tired
Sleep issues can disrupt your life in significant ways:
Physical health
Ongoing sleep problems can lead to serious health concerns.
Mental wellbeing
Lack of sleep can heighten feelings of anxiety and depression.
Family dynamics
Sleep struggles can create tension at home and affect relationships.
Overall quality of life
Quality rest is essential for functioning well and enjoying life.
Common sleep disorders among veterans2
While there are several sleep-related issues, these three primary disorders are the most frequent:
Insomnia
This is the most common sleep complaint among veterans and involves difficulty falling or staying asleep. Insomnia can worsen mood and exacerbate other health issues.
Nightmares
More than distressing dreams, nightmares can disrupt sleep and cause significant daytime fatigue. They are particularly common in veterans with stress-related or traumatic experiences.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
A serious condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, OSA disrupts rest and increases the risk of serious health issues such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.
The impact of sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are disruptive on their own and can affect work life, productivity, mental health, self-esteem, relationships with friends and family, as well as day-to-day activities like driving, concentration and focus.
But they are also linked to severe health complications. A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that over half the veterans surveyed were at risk of cardiovascular diseases due to undiagnosed sleep apnoea.3
Support for veterans at GO2 Health
We recognise that every veteran’s experience is unique, which is why we offer personalised support that extends beyond conventional medications.
Our approach includes:
Assessment
We begin with a thorough assessment to identify the underlying causes of sleep disturbances.
Supportive care
Our team provides holistic support that includes lifestyle modifications and stress management techniques.
Referrals
When necessary, we refer veterans to specialist practitioners or sleep centres to ensure comprehensive care.
The health of veterans deeply affects their families too. Recognising this, we extend our support and education to family members to help their ability to assist their loved ones.
If sleep disturbances are impacting your life after service, you are not alone. Proper sleep is vital for both physical and mental health, and at GO2 Health we are committed to helping you achieve better sleep for a better life.
Are you ready?
Don’t let sleep issues diminish your quality of life. Contact GO2 Health at (07) 3355 5540 or book an appointment with your GP online through HotDoc to explore how we can support you and your family.
References
1 Department of Veterans’ Affairs. (2024). Delivering better health outcomes to veterans with a good night’s sleep. https://www.dva.gov.au/news/latest-stories/delivering-better-health-outcomes-veterans-good-nights-sleep
2 Robards, K. 2022. Veterans are at risk for sleep apnoea, insomnia, and nightmares. https://sleepeducation.org/veterans-risk-sleep-apnea-insomnia-nightmares/
3 Ulmer, C., McCant, F., Stechuchak, K., Olsen, M., Bosworth, H. 2021. Prevalence of insomnia disorder and sleep apnea in a sample of veterans at risk for cardiovascular disease. https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.9228Originally posted 14 November, 2024.
