SLEEP PATTERNS IN 3 ACUTE COMBAT FATIGUE CASES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (6) , 546-549
Abstract
The sleep patterns of 3 combat fatigued patients with recurrent nightmares, insomnia, low frustration thresholds and impotence were studied. All had undergone acute partial sleep deprivation prior to their breakdown. The results showed severe deficiency in REM [rapid eye movement] sleep and absence of stage 4 sleep. Electromyogram was usually high with numerous body movements and bursts of tachycardia throughout the night. Nightmares occurred in stage 2. Total effective sleep time was between 129'' and 250''. Most of the sleep was in stage 2 and patients woke up with the feeling that they had not slept at all. Apparently acute partial sleep deprivation prior to breakdown was an important predisposing factor and chronic partial sleep deprivation was a constant aggravating factor of combat fatigue. Replacement therapy for the specific deficient sleep states is proposed.

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