Sleep Well

Tips for how Veterans can improve their sleep. © U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Mike got used to sleeping on an irregular schedule in Iraq. When he came back home, his sleep patterns didn't change as quickly as he had expected. He would keep odd hours simply because his body was accustomed to it. Whenever he woke up, it took him a minute to remember that he was not in Iraq, and he was often irritable or angry with others.

After Edmond returned from Iraq, he had trouble sleeping. He worked late night shifts to keep busy and stay awake. In group sessions at VA, he discovered he was not alone; that other Veterans have gone through experiences similar to his. Hear how his sleep improved after opening up about his challenges.

Veterans describe sleep problems such as being unable to get a full night's rest, having nightmares, and waking up shouting or sweating. Trouble sleeping affected other aspects of their lives too. Reaching out for support helped them find treatment options that improved their sleep and overall health.