In collaboration with the Sleep Research Society (SRS), the AASM has called upon the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on Armed Services to continue to support the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) as part of the negotiations on H.R.2810, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
As stated in the AASM letter sent to Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representatives Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Adam Smith (D-WA), insufficient sleep and untreated sleep disorders have a substantial effect on the readiness, resilience and health of our service members and veterans. In fact, a 2015 report by the RAND Corporation suggests that sleep disturbances are a core feature of many psychological disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI), which are the three most common mental health diagnoses among both active-duty service members and veterans. It is clear that further study on sleep health is needed to provide optimal care to those who serve the country, which will require sleep researchers to be adequately funded to perform their important work.
Beyond advocating for essential research funding, the AASM also has shown its commitment to connecting service members and veterans to quality sleep care as a staunch advocate for H.Res 46, a measure that stresses the important relationship between sleep apnea and mental health, which has been introduced by Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) in early 2017. Contact your federal lawmakers today to voice your support for prioritizing the sleep health of American troops and veterans.
To discuss the AASM’s commitment to research or to the sleep health of American service members and veterans, please contact the AASM advocacy department by email at policy@aasm.org or by phone at (630) 737-9700.
