WHY MANY SERVICE MEMBERS AVOID SLEEP EVALUATIONS… AND WHY IT’S COSTING US MORE THAN WE THINK
Sleep should be one of the simplest things in the military…but for many of us, it’s one of the hardest things to talk about. Across every branch, service members quietly struggle with loud snoring, choking or gasping at night, constant fatigue, headaches, irritability, and trouble staying awake during the day. We joke about it. We push through it. We chalk it up to the job. Yet the problem is widespread.
According to the Defense Health Agency’s Sleep Readiness Report, nearly 1 in 3 service members are at high risk for sleep apnea. Beneath all of that, there’s a deeper issue. Many service members avoid getting a sleep evaluation…not because they don’t need help, but because they’re scared of what a diagnosis might mean for their careers. The fears feel real, but most of them are not true.
The Fears We Don’t Say Out Loud
Ask any Soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor, or Guardian why they hesitate to get checked, and you’ll hear the same concerns:
- “I’ll get kicked out.”
- “I won’t be able to deploy.”
- “I’ll lose my clearance.”
- “They’ll think I’m broken.”
- “I won’t be able to fly.”
- “I don’t want to be stuck with equipment.”
These beliefs spread quickly, especially when they come from a buddy who once heard something at sick call. However, military policy tells a different story.
MYTH 1: A Sleep Apnea Diagnosis Will Hurt My Career
Reality: Most service members with sleep apnea remain fully deployable and continue their careers successfully.
Policy is clear: When treated and stable, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is compatible with retention and worldwide deployability (AR 40-501; DoDI 6490.07).
Untreated fatigue and impaired judgment pose a much greater risk to one’s career than getting evaluated and treated.
MYTH 2: I Won’t Be Able to Deploy With a CPAP
Reality: Thousands of service members deploy every year with PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.
Modern solutions make it possible in most environments:
- Power is commonly available…if you can charge a phone, you can use your machine.
- Most PAP devices auto-adjust worldwide voltage.
- Travel-sized devices and battery packs support field environments.
- Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is available when PAP isn’t feasible.
Treatment keeps you in the fight…not out of it.
MYTH 3: I’ll Lose My Clearance
Reality: Seeking treatment does NOT harm security clearances.
According to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, treated medical conditions are not a risk factor, while untreated fatigue, impaired cognitive performance, and poor judgment can raise concerns.
Why It Matters
Untreated sleep apnea can reduce cognitive performance by up to 30% after just one night of poor sleep, according to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
It’s also associated with slower reaction time and a higher risk of motor vehicle incidents, according to DoW fatigue risk data.
These aren’t rare. Falling asleep at the wheel after the range, zoning out while working on equipment, or misjudging a ladder step can change a career…or a life.
Spouses See the Signs First
Across the force, spouses are often the first to notice loud snoring, choking, irritability, restless nights, or falling asleep on the couch. A sleep evaluation isn’t just for the service member…it’s for the family that supports them.
Don’t Wait Until Retirement For a Sleep Evaluation
Some service members delay care to avoid “putting something on paper,” then scramble during transition. According to VA data, sleep apnea is one of the most frequently under-documented conditions during retirement.
Waiting often leads to incomplete treatment, missing compliance documentation, and unnecessary stress during life-changing decisions.
Getting evaluated early protects readiness now and benefits later. Treat it early. Document it properly. Sleep better in and out of uniform.
If You Need Support, You’re Not Alone
Getting a sleep evaluation isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of maturity, readiness, and leadership. Strong leaders take care of themselves so they can take care of others.
After your PCM and sleep team diagnose and prescribe treatment, the Quality DME Military Healthcare Initiative supports the military community with education and continuity of care…always within TRICARE guidelines.
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BY JESSE J. JAMES
Veteran & Military Healthcare Access Contributor at VeteranLife
Army Veteran
Jesse J. James is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer and respiratory therapist whose work focuses on improving healthcare access for service members and military families. Throughout his 20-year career, he served in patient care, medical leadership, and operational roles…including service a...
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Jesse J. James is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer and respiratory therapist whose work focuses on improving healthcare access for service members and military families. Throughout his 20-year career, he served in patient care, medical leadership, and operational roles…including service a...
