Sleep quality affects cognitive functioning in returning combat veterans beyond combat exposure, PTSD, and mild TBI history.
The purpose of this study was to determine how sleep quality affects cognitive functioning in returning combat veterans after accounting for effects of combat exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) history.



This was a cross-sectional assessment study evaluating combat exposure, PTSD, mTBI history, sleep quality, and neuropsychological functioning. One hundred and nine eligible male Iraq/Afghanistan combat veterans completed an assessment consisting of a structured clinical interview, neuropsychological battery, and self-report measures.



Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, combat experiences and mTBI history were not directly associated with sleep quality. PTSD was directly associated with sleep quality, which contributed to deficits in neuropsychological functioning independently of and in addition to combat experiences, PTSD, and mTBI history. Combat experiences and PTSD were differentially associated with motor speed.



Sleep affected cognitive function independently of combat experiences, PTSD, and mTBI history. Sleep quality also contributed to cognitive deficits beyond effects of PTSD. An evaluation of sleep quality may be a useful point of clinical intervention in combat veterans with cognitive complaints. Improving sleep quality could alleviate cognitive complaints, improving veterans' ability to engage in treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record
Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers and Department of Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences, W. G. "Bill" Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Sarah L
0000-0002-0059-3454
SL
Martindale
Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Sandra B
SB
Morissette
Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers and Department of Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences, W. G. "Bill" Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Jared A
JA
Rowland
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University.
Sara L
SL
Dolan
D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D001288:Attention; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D057566:Self Report; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult