Obstructive Sleep Apnea Tied to Poor Outcomes in U.S. Soldiers
WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2025 -- Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contribute to mental health challenges, traumatic injuries, and increased health care utilization in active-duty service members, according to a study recently published online in CHEST.
Emerson M. Wickwire, Ph.D., from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and colleagues assessed the burden of OSA among active-duty military personnel. The analysis included data from 59,203 military personnel (younger than 65 years) from the Military Data Repository (2016 to 2021) following a new OSA diagnosis.
The researchers found that OSA was associated with an increased risk for all physical and psychological health outcomes compared with no OSA, including a threefold higher risk for traumatic brain injury. Service members with OSA had a fourfold increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder. OSA was also associated with an additional 170,511 outpatient, 66 inpatient, and 1,852 emergency department encounters per year.
“Sleep apnea is not just a medical condition -- it's a force readiness issue," Col. Vincent F. Capaldi II, M.D., from the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland, said in a statement. "We must prioritize sleep health as a cornerstone of operational performance and long-term well-being for the force."
One author disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
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