Service Members

More than 90% of fathers in the United States attend the births of their children. Each year, thousands of fathers are absent during this important life transition because of military deployment in combat regions; however, it is unknown how this population experiences new fatherhood.

Deployed Service members often miss important life events, including the birth of their first child. This study interviewed 17 male Service member whose first child was born during their most recent combat deployment.

Sleep disorders are a critical issue for the military, as they impactoperational readiness, personnel health, wellbeing and health-carecosts.

The number of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea cases is increasing in the U.S. civilian population, and is increasing at an even faster rate among military personnel.

BACKGROUND:

A common complaint of combat-exposed Service members is insomnia. Frequently, insomnia occurs along with other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression).