| Popis: |
Active duty service members as well as retired veterans are at greater risk for insomnia and/or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) than the general population. Difficulties such as these may facilitate the development of or exacerbate psychiatric symptoms, as well as difficulties with cognition, and are a hallmark feature of mental health problems in this population. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective psychotherapeutic intervention for insomnia, while continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is effective in treating sleep-disordered breathing. While CBT-I is successful in ameliorating psychiatric symptoms in addition to sleep, less is known about its efficacy in individuals with psychosis, particularly in the veteran population. Regular screening is important among veterans with psychiatric disorders, but is not regularly assessed in clinics. Similarly, older adults are particularly susceptible to SDB, and early identification of the presence of sleep-disordered breathing may improve cognitive functioning and prevent rapid cognitive decline. The Veterans Health Administration is diligently working to improve access to sleep services, which will ultimately enhance the quality of life for many veterans. |
