A
new study by University of Pittsburgh researchers shows that insomnia among
U.S. veterans returning from Iraq is as severe as in patients who have chronic insomnia. These
findings were to be presented yesterday at the annual Associated Professional Sleep
Societies meeting in Baltimore.
“They compared 14 vets with post-deployment adjustment
disorders to 14 insomnia patients and 14 good sleepers, and found that the vets
displayed significantly more severe disruptive nocturnal behaviors, such as
nightmares and body movements, than people in the other two groups” (Healthy
Day).
Aside from pharmacological treatment for the insomnia, an
interesting find of the study was that electronics were the preferred
non-pharmacological treatment. This including both listening to music (perhaps
demonstrating the benefits of music
therapy) and using the Internet.
"’These preferences may reflect the technology savvy of
this new era of veterans. An Internet-based, non-medication intervention could
supplement the pharmacological treatment available in routine care,’ study
author Dana R. Epstein, of the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System,
said in a prepared statement” (Health Day).
Do you see any benefits (or have any personal experience)
with using technology to combat insomnia?
