Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Clear Your Cache

Health.mil has undergone a recent update. For the best user experience we recommend clearing your browser cache.

‘Tactical Napping’ and Other Tips to Sleep Well On Deployment

Image of A trainee attempts to get a little sleep as he waits for transportation at the Joe E. Mann Ballroom Dec. 18. He is one of thousands of Initial Entry Training Soldiers across the Army who are headed home on leave for the holidays. . A trainee attempts to get a little sleep as he waits for transportation at the Joe E. Mann Ballroom Dec. 18. He is one of thousands of Initial Entry Training Soldiers across the Army who are headed home on leave for the holidays. (Robert Timmons)

Getting enough sleep is always essential for optimal performance and functioning.

But service members know that a full night's sleep is not always an option. On deployment, many things make sleep a challenge, including combat operations, long work days or 24-hour watch duty.

Service members on deployment may be anxious, concerned about their own safety or missing home. And they may face uncomfortable sleeping surfaces and unusual sleep-wake cycles.

"Sleep is an inherently vulnerable state, and in operational environments there are many factors that can make it difficult to initiate or maintain sleep," said Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Scott Williams, director of the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience (CMPN) at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Prior traumatic events or mild traumatic brain injury can also lead to additional sleeping problems.

As a result, getting proper sleep is a luxury that many service members may not always have.

"On average, military personnel sleep approximately six hours" a day, said Dr. Tom Balkin, a senior scientist at the CMPN's Behavioral Biology Branch.

An average of six hours of sleep isn't enough – at least seven hours is recommended, Williams said.

Running short on sleep could lead to poor health or poor performance. Sleep disorders can be "significant threats to readiness and lethality," according to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research's Behavioral Biology site.

Prioritizing sleep during deployments is key to better performance, and, in the long run, a healthier military experience.

Tactical Naps

When long blocks of sleep are impractical, "the practice of tactical napping" can help reach the recommended seven hours of sleep per 24 hours, said Dr. Sara Alger, a sleep research scientist at the Behavioral Biology Branch's Sleep Research Center.

"A tactical nap is ideally in a space that is dark, quiet, and comfortable, but realistically anywhere that is safe."

These naps can also be used to get extra sleep before upcoming sleep loss, to increase alertness during major operations, and to help recover more quickly after sleep loss, said Alger.

And though napping may lead to initial grogginess when you wake up, she said, using the combination of naps and caffeine strategically can reduce that.

If you're having trouble sleeping or want to learn more, check out these resources, contact your health care provider, or fill out this sleep health assessment.

You also may be interested in...

Article
Oct 30, 2024

Mental Health Holistically Integrates with Multiple Dimensions of Health to Support Readiness

Graphic of a soldier with different puzzle pieces

There are multiple dimensions of health that help maximize wellness and readiness for service members. As mental health impacts and is impacted by each of these dimensions, it is important to strive to practice multiple healthy behaviors.

Topic
Oct 16, 2024

Military Health System Mental Health Hub

The Military Health System has many resources available to help service members, families, or veterans who are struggling with mental health challenges.

Video
Oct 1, 2024

Leading with Grace: How to Support Teammates in a Crisis

Leading with Grace: How to Support Teammates in a Crisis

We all go through tough times. If you think a member of your team might be struggling, there are ways you can help. 1. Start by having a private conversation. Let them know they can talk to you about anything that might be on their mind. Listening and showing empathy can often make a huge difference. 2. If you think they might benefit from talking ...

Video
Sep 12, 2024

Five More Minutes PSA: 60 | Veterans Crisis Prevention | Ad Council

Five More Minutes suicide prevention video

In a new PSA, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter from @TheWarAndTreatyOfficial acknowledge that it can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling – but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help can be an act of bravery. Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. If you or a Veteran you know needs support, find resources ...

Video
Sep 12, 2024

The Bravest Thing :60 Seconds | Veterans Crisis Prevention | Ad Council

The Bravest Thing suicide prevention video.

It can be hard for Veterans to reach out if they’re struggling – but in the eyes of their loved ones, seeking help can be an act of bravery. If you or a Veteran you know needs support, find resources at http://VA.gov/REACH.  If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. ...

Article
Aug 7, 2024

Fort Drum Soldiers in Recovery Experience Posttraumatic Growth Through Innovative Program

U.S. Army soldiers in recovery currently assigned to Fort Drum’s Soldier Recovery Unit walk the labyrinth during the Boulder Crest Foundation’s five-day Struggle Well program at Fort Drum

For soldiers in recovery, the path to healing following trauma can be a long and challenging road. While many focus on the visible physical injuries soldiers endure, the emotional trauma hidden behind the surface can leave a lasting impact if not adequately addressed. Through the Struggle Well program at Fort Drum, New York, soldiers participate is ...

Article
Jul 29, 2024

Celebrating One Year with Nalu: How Tripler Army Medical Center’s Facility Dog Makes a Difference to Patients and Staff Alike

Nalu the service dog poses with staff at Tripler Army Medical Center

Nalu, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, is a full-time Tripler Army Medical Center hospital facility dog. He is present in the Child and Family Behavioral Health Service Clinic, where he works alongside Dr. Kathryn Egan, a child psychiatrist, and licensed clinical social workers.

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search
Last Updated: September 29, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery