Sleep Domain

“Sleep is ammunition for the brain.” 

– COL (Ret) Gregory Belenky

“Sleep may be the most important biological factor that determines Service member health and combat readiness.” 

-  Study on the Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Readiness of Members of the Armed Forces: Report to Congressional Armed Services Committees, March 2021

“Soldiers should sleep as much as they can, whenever they can, as the situation allows.” 

FM 7-22, 11-76

Insufficient sleep is associated with increased injury rate, prolonged physical recovery, decreased testosterone levels, faulty hunger cues, weight gain, depression, impaired immune response, increased reaction time, impaired judgement and decision making, and the list goes on…

Years of research show that Soldiers typically sleep significantly less than civilian counterparts. Add to that the challenging Arctic conditions of central Alaska, and we have a serious readiness problem.

Summer months – Increased daylight interferes with release of the hormone Melatonin which results in delayed sleep onset. Studies show that adults average one hour of sleep less per day compared to norms in less extreme latitudes.

Winter months – Increased daytime darkness interferes with the circadian rhythm causing difficulty falling asleep and morning fatigue. Studies also show an increased incidence of Insomnia in the winter months at extreme latitudes. 

So, what do we do about it? 

You can find a list of critical sleep equipment here. 

For further help you can sign up for the Arctic Sleep hygiene course which occurs on the First Thursday of the month at 1030 in Hangar One. (All Hangar One classes can be conducted in your unit footprint with advance scheduling). You can also schedule a one-on-one consultation with CPT Murray to troubleshoot your unique situation.