0267 ROTC Cadets’ Sleep Quality Varies as a Function of Prior Stressful Experiences

Abstract Introduction Sleep difficulties and stress are common among U.S. Army Soldiers – especially among those who have been exposed to traumatic events. In the short term, elevated stress can reduce sleep quality, alter circadian rhythms, and disrupt normal metabolism and endocrine functions. Because ROTC cadets are new to the Army, their level of exposure to operationally stressful experiences is relatively low. Understanding the extent to which stress impacts sleep at this point in their military careers can help ROTC cadets be better prepared for later exposure to stressors in military operational contexts. In the present study, the impact of stress on sleep quality of ROTC cadets was investigated. Methods Participants included 519 ROTC cadets at the annual Cadet Summer Training Advanced camp with a mean age of 22.24 ± 2.788 years (M ± SD). Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), with scores ranging from “1” (good) to “4” (bad). They also completed the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Military Version; PCL-4, which measures prior exposure to stressful life events. This version of the PCL includes only four questions, with responses indicated on a 30-point rating scale, with “1” connoting less stressful and “30” connoting more stressful life events. Results Cadets’ self-reported sleep quality scores averaged 2.1 ± .618 (M ± SD). Cadets reported an average PCL-4 score of 5.58 ± 2.606 (M ± SD). Quality of sleep and stressful life events were significantly negatively correlated, r = -.303, p < .01. Conclusion Greater prior exposure to stressful life events is associated with poorer subjective sleep quality. Cadet training is intense and stressful. Early identification of those cadets who are especially susceptible to stress-induced sleep disturbance is a necessary first step toward development of targeted interventions to improve the performance, health, and likelihood of success of such individuals during military training. Support (if any) Support for this study came from the Military Operational Medicine Research Program (MOMRP) of the United States Army Medical search and Development Command (USAMRDC).