Jim Absher is a benefits columnist for Military.com
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking veterans with a history of concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) as volunteers in a sleep study.
The study is designed to measure the effectiveness of non-drug treatments for insomnia, which may affect veterans at double or triple the rate of civilians.
According to the VA, persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or insomnia, is a common symptom affecting veterans who suffered head injuries such as concussions or TBI while in the military. As a result, the VA is attempting to develop therapies that will provide veterans with the skills and techniques necessary to overcome their insomnia and get regular, restful sleep without using drugs.
Symptoms of insomnia include frequent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep through the night or waking up too early. Those suffering from insomnia often have symptoms such as fatigue, memory troubles, headaches and moodiness during their waking hours. Poor sleep also can interfere with the rehabilitation process and return to civilian life or active duty.
Volunteers must be veterans over the age of 21, with trouble sleeping and a history of concussion or mild TBI. The VA is currently seeking 120 participants for the study.
Participants in the home-based study will be randomly assigned one of two therapies that are specifically designed to help them fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Veterans participating in the program will remotely meet with a therapist for approximately one hour a week to discuss their treatment and results. Adjustments to the treatment will be made as necessary to help the treatment succeed.
The study will last nine weeks with a follow-up appointment in six months. Participants will be eligible for up to a $325 cash payment for participation.
For more information and to sign up for an in-depth screening assessment to see whether you are eligible to participate in the study, check out the website today.
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