Posted on Nov 22, 2016
Soldiers Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep And That’s A Big Problem
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When I was in BCT, we were told all we needed was 4 hours of sleep to function. I can't remember ever waking up, and not feeling like hammered shit. I'm glad to read someone got some snap and realized that's not the way it should be. But back then, we were preparing to go to war, where no sleep could be the way of life. That proved to be true more than I could ever imagine.
Two-thirds of troops aren’t getting enough sleep, which affects both their physical and mental health.
The old mantra that “sleep is for the weak” has no place in the modern military.
But health professionals are still butting against cultural and operational hurdles as they discover more connections between sleep disorders and mental and physical health issues.
Two-thirds of troops aren’t getting enough sleep, which affects both their physical and mental health.
The old mantra that “sleep is for the weak” has no place in the modern military.
But health professionals are still butting against cultural and operational hurdles as they discover more connections between sleep disorders and mental and physical health issues.
Soldiers Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep And That’s A Big Problem
Posted from taskandpurpose.com
Sleeping
Soldiers
Mental Health
Physical Training
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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Sleeps a crutch...lol. I joke. I wish I could get more than 3-4 hrs a night anymore :(
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SGT (Join to see)
When you get in your 70's like I am, you're supposed to be able to sleep when you want to. But, does that apply to me? Noooo! I can't take a nap. I never have been able to do that. I can't sleep sound all night. I keep waking up thinking I hear something. Then I remember my dog and she would bark her butt off. So I try again, and again, and again.
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SFC (Join to see)
My dogs very seldom wake up at night, but when they do something has their attention. I usually wake them up. No reason I should be up alone...lol
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I have seen the effects of lack of sleep. Staff officers would see how late they could send out emails to show the long hours they put in. Lack of sleep over a period of time will make you combat ineffective and put the mission at risk.
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SGT (Join to see)
LTC Greg Henning, But in combat you're not guaranteed a certain amount of sleep to keep you sharp. I was on high alert several times in Vietnam which meant a little to no sleep. My adrenaline was soaring so high I couldn't have slept if I tried. Back in the states is a totally different animal, unless your on guard or CQ, or fire watch.
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While serving as a young platoon leader with the 1st Infantry Division, I maybe averaged 4 hours of sleep. That was not only due to my position, but because the Vietnam Cong/ NVA generally mortared our positions hourly. You learn to live with the circumstances. I recall when I came home (via Fitzsimmons Army Hospital), I experienced overwhelming tiredness, and to this day I experience that tiredness. Sleep is important, but mission is more important.
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SGT (Join to see)
CPT Ron Benedict, That's the truth Sir. Wherever we went, the artillary was close and had firing missions almost all night long. When that 8" fired it would lift you off the ground. Then there were the mortar attacks. You just have to suck it up. Usually my adrenaline was kicking in so much I couldn't have slept anyway. Lots of weird noises out there at night that's kept me on guard. Thanks for your Service in Vietnam and here in the states, and Welcome Home.
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CPT Ron Benedict
I recall while in OCS at Benning, I fell asleep at parade rest while waiting for reveille. Suddenly, I got this feeling that woke me up. It was our training battalion commander, LTC Bishop standing in front of me. I snapped to attention. He said, "You getting enough sleep cadet?" I loudly proclaimed, "Sir, Candidate Benedict, no sir!" He laughed a little and replied: "You ain't seen nothing yet."
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