The transition from a life of service in the military to civilian life is a profound and transformative journey, one that comes with a unique set of challenges and adjustments. For those who have dedicated years to serving their country, the shift to a civilian lifestyle can be both exhilarating and disorienting. Amidst this whirlwind of change, one aspect that often goes underestimated but holds remarkable significance is the quality of sleep.
In the military, sleep is a precious and often elusive resource, with service members adapting to erratic schedules, demanding tasks, and a readiness to respond to unpredictable situations. But as the chapter on military life draws to a close, a new chapter begins one that calls for a different rhythm and a new set of skills, including the ability to manage and optimize one’s sleep.
Returning to civilian life from the military
The post-military journey is characterized by diverse experiences. Veterans may find themselves pursuing higher education, entering the civilian workforce, reuniting with their families, or embarking on new adventures. But though these new opportunities can be exciting, sleep challenges can emerge. We are going to explore the intricacies of sleep as you transition from the military back to civilian life.
The difficulty of attaining sleep when transitioning from the military to civilian life
The transition from military service to civilian life is a significant and life-altering change, and it comes with its own unique set of challenges, including the difficulty of attaining restful sleep. This transition is marked by several factors that can disrupt sleep patterns and make it harder to achieve the quality of sleep needed for overall well-being. Some challenges include:
- Disrupted routine: In the military, a strict and regimented daily schedule is often enforced, and this routine becomes deeply ingrained. Transitioning to civilian life can disrupt this familiar structure, making it challenging to establish a new routine that supports healthy sleep patterns.
- Loss of camaraderie: Military service fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences. Leaving this close-knit community can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to sleep disturbances and mental health issues.
- Post-traumatic stress: Many military veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their service. PTSD often leads to nightmares, night sweats, and other sleep disturbances, making it difficult to achieve deep, restorative sleep.
- Anxiety and uncertainty: Transitioning to civilian life can be a period of uncertainty and anxiety. Concerns about employment, finances, housing, and other aspects of civilian life can keep individuals awake at night, creating a cycle of sleeplessness.
- Lack of structure: The military provides a high level of structure and purpose. In civilian life, individuals may struggle to find a new sense of purpose and structure, which can affect their sleep patterns and overall mental health.
- Physical health: The physical demands of military service can lead to injuries and health conditions. These physical issues can cause discomfort and pain, making it harder to find a comfortable sleeping position and enjoy a full night’s rest.
- Inconsistent schedules: Some veterans may find themselves in jobs with irregular or unpredictable schedules. This inconsistency can make it challenging to establish a regular sleep routine, leading to sleep deprivation and fatigue.
How can veterans maintain consistent sleep schedules?
This issue hits close to home for many of us. Our founder and creator of Relaxium products, Dr. Eric Ciliberti served in the United States Air Force. For 5 years he volunteered as a physician serving the Veterans Administration. He has received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Young Men of America and the James H. Allen Award.
This let alone the large population of people who also struggle to sleep at night, Dr. Ciliberti knew he was going to create a solution for those who struggle to sleep, thus Relaxium Sleep was born.
But what other sleep solutions can veterans use? That is what we will discuss. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for veterans transitioning to civilian life. A regular sleep routine can help improve sleep quality, reduce sleep disturbances, and enhance overall well-being. Here are some strategies to help veterans maintain consistent sleep schedules:
Set a fixed bedtime and wake time
Establish a specific time for going to bed and waking up, and stick to this schedule as closely as possible, even on weekends. Consistency reinforces your body’s internal clock and promotes better sleep.
Optimize your sleep environment
Ensure that your bedroom is conducive to sleep. Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Consider blackout curtains to block out light, earplugs to reduce noise, and a comfortable mattress and pillows.
Exercise regularly
Engage in regular physical activity, but try to complete your workouts at least a few hours before bedtime. Exercise can promote better sleep, but intense activity close to bedtime can be stimulating.
Manage stress and anxiety
Veterans may experience heightened stress and anxiety during the transition to civilian life. It’s essential to develop stress-management techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or talking to a mental health professional.
Seek support
Consider joining support groups or seeking counseling to address any mental health challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, which can impact sleep. Therapists can provide valuable coping strategies.
Limit exposure to night shifts
If your job requires working night shifts, try to limit the frequency and duration of night shifts. Night work can disrupt your circadian rhythm and make it challenging to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Manage transition-related stress
Recognize that the transition from military to civilian life can be a stressful time. Find healthy outlets for managing this stress, such as regular exercise, talking to a therapist, or engaging in hobbies and interests.
Monitor sleep patterns
Keep a sleep diary to track your sleep patterns and identify any trends or issues. This can help you make adjustments to your routine as needed.
Transition as smoothly as possible
We would like to thank all members of the military for their service. Their mental and physical well-being is of the utmost importance; use these tips to transition smoothly back to civilian life.
Relaxium offers a number of safe and effective supplements that aid in the categories of sleep, calm, focus, and immunity. Created by Clinical Neurologist, Dr. Eric Ciliberti, TryRelaxium.com offers a 30-day Money Back Guarantee trial of Relaxium Sleep to allow our users to truly experience its effects. To try the product today visit our website for more information.
To restful and healthy days ahead.
The Relaxium Team
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
https://www.research.va.gov/currents/spring2014/spring2014-25.cfm