San Antonio, January 4, 2026 – Military personnel are often lauded for their relentless pace – the saying goes they accomplish more before 9 AM than most do all day – but prioritizing sleep is crucial for optimal performance, according to Vincent Mysliwiec, MD, FAASM, Director of Sleep Medicine at UT Health San Antonio.
“During the day we’re always active. We’re thinking, we’re learning new things, we’re physically challenged,” Mysliwiec explained. “During the period when we’re sleeping, that’s where our mind consolidates our memories into new knowledge, and retaining that knowledge, as well as providing the hormones that restore our body and then provide the ability for our body to function well the next day.”
sleep Deprivation is a Growing Concern for Servicemembers
Insufficient sleep among military personnel is linked to increased risks of serious health issues,including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
While good physical function is a top priority in the military, servicemembers frequently get less than six hours of sleep per night. mysliwiec, a retired colonel in the U.S.medical Corps, noted this is often unavoidable given the demands of service. “They do shift work. They have a stressful profession. Their profession is rigorous,” he said. “They have 24-hour duty at times which then they may have to work the next day as well.”
Research led by Mysliwiec reveals a notable spike in sleep disorders within the military since 2005. Diagnoses of insomnia increased 45-fold between 2005 and 2019, while obstructive sleep apnea diagnoses rose 30-fold during the same period.
The most prevalent sleep disorder affecting military personnel is COMISA – comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea – impacting both men and women equally. “When you looked at the male and female service members, there was no significant difference,” Mysliwiec said. “Somewhat unexpected finding there.”
Quick fact: Military personnel with COMISA also exhibit the highest rates of PTSD,anxiety,depression,and nightmares.
Because sleep disorders in the military can be complex,Mysliwiec emphasized the importance of thorough evaluations. “You can’t just look for sleep apnea, you can’t just look for insomnia. You also have to consider nightmares or disruptive nocturnal behaviors,” he said. “It really needs a comprehensive evaluation.”
Proper diagnosis and treatment aren’t just vital for military readiness,but also for the short- and long-term health and overall quality of life of service members.
