On Veterans Day, we step away from our daily rush to recognize our nation’s truest heroes. These dedicated men and women who have served in a uniform stand as steadfast guardians of our safety, making sacrifices that go beyond the call of duty. They deserve more than a mere thank you; they deserve our unwavering respect and gratitude. While they stood guard, we could close our eyes at night, feeling safe and secure.
Yet, for many veterans, the battle doesn’t end upon returning home. As they’ve protected our peaceful nights, their own are often disrupted by the echoes of duty. The struggles with sleep that many veterans face are a reminder of the price paid for the blanket of freedom we so often take for granted. These heroes, who have ensured our restful nights, now find themselves in search of that very peace.
Sacrifices and Contributions of Veterans
In the United States alone, over 19 million veterans have served across an array of conflicts, each leaving an indelible mark on our history and our hearts. From the tumultuous battlegrounds of World War II to the rugged terrains of Afghanistan, these individuals have shouldered the weight of our nation’s security. The sacrifices are immense – with many making the ultimate sacrifice – while countless others return with the visible and invisible scars of service.
Their unwavering dedication continues long after their service, as they work to reintegrate into the very fabric of daily life they fought to protect. But this reintegration can be fraught with battles of a different kind, ones that aren’t fought on the field but within the confines of one’s mind and body.
The Silent Struggles of Veterans
A University of Missouri School of Medicine study casts light on a troubling reality: many veterans are reluctant to seek help for prevalent health issues, particularly sleep disturbances and alcohol use disorders, which linger in the shadows of their post-service lives.
The study paints a complex portrait of veterans grappling with the internal aftermath of their service, highlighting a stark hesitancy to reach out for support. The reasons are multifaceted. They are deeply rooted in the veteran community, with concerns around stigmatization and an undercurrent of discrimination contributing to a silence that can be as oppressive as any battlefield. For many, the idea of needing help is a difficult admission, and for veterans of color, this is compounded by the discriminatory barriers that can stand in the way of seeking care.
Two-thirds of Veterans Reported Symptoms of Insomnia
Research has found that a staggering 27–54% of military personnel and veterans experience insomnia, a rate significantly higher than in the general population. From 2000 to 2009, the military saw a 19-fold increase in reported cases of insomnia. As more veterans from post-9/11 service eras retire and seek care through the Veterans Health Administration, these numbers are expected to climb even further.
Insomnia, an ailment characterized by difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, has emerged as a silent epidemic among U.S. military veterans.Up to two-thirds of veterans who served in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan report insomnia symptoms, highlighting a crisis of sleeplessness that follows them from the battlefield to civilian life. This condition is not only about the occasional restless night—it’s a chronic struggle, with some veterans from earlier conflicts like Vietnam and Korea reporting persistent sleep problems that began during their service and have persisted for decades.
The Importance of Sleep for Mental Health
Sleep is the cornerstone of mental health, a vital element often taken for granted until elusive. For veterans, good sleep can be a catalyst for healing, a nightly respite that can begin to ease the day’s burdens. It is during restful sleep that the mind processes and heals from the day’s stresses.
Ongoing Commitment to Veterans’ Well-Being
Amid these revelations, the Alora Sleep App has listened attentively to the voices of our veterans. In recognizing the gap between their needs and the willingness to seek assistance, we’re stepping forward with a special offering. We understand that addressing these issues goes beyond acknowledging them—it requires action. To show support and help bridge this gap, the app is extending a hand with a special gesture tailored to meet the needs of our veterans.Download the Application and fill this form to get access to Alora PRO subscription.
As we honor our veterans, we not only celebrate their valor but also remind them of how much we care. Their well-being is a priority to us, just as our safety was to them. So, we gently encourage every veteran to take the steps needed for their health, to find solace in the rest they’ve earned. Our small gift of a free subscription to the Alora Sleep App is ready for you—a simple but heartfelt gesture, hoping to contribute to the peaceful sleep you so richly deserve.
