Snoring And The Military

Men and women who serve in the military must be on alert for the opponent at every waking hour.  Others fight another battle, even while they’re sound asleep.

Snoring is an enemy that plagues people of all ages, walks of life and professions, as well as those who serve in the military.  Of course, when several military men and women start snoring in the same barracks, the resulting racket can make even the bravest souls prepared to take cover.

The Canadian Army conducted a mini-study to determine the cause of snoring in the military, and whether there were actually fewer or more snorers in the armed forces than in other professions. For this study, a number of snorers were gathered as a test group to participate in a comparison test of military versus non-military snorers.  Not surprisingly, the resulting information showed very little difference in the snoring habits of those in the military, as compared to civilians.   However, what was very surprising  was that many of the military snorers were overweight.

Our military?  Overweight?  Yes, in the United States and in Canada, army personnel who suffer with snoring often do so because they are simply overweight.  But, how could this happen in a place where extreme exercise programs are part of the daily routine?  And, how could the military permit our country’s defenders to become lax and out of shape?

Following this research on snoring and the military, certain programs were implemented by the US and Canadian Armed Forces to lash their comrades back into shape.  Fitness regimes were developed to not only encourage weight loss, but also to enhance diet, educate people on exercise, and help change their behaviors to encourage improved health.

Solutions on Snoring

Once these researches were completed, consideration was given to the problems with snoring.  Some of the worse snorers in the research were given a CPAP system to use.  CPAP, or Continuous Positive Air Pressure, is a treatment provided by mask while sleeping.  This device gives a steady stream of air that enables the airways to stay open.  The device is very effective in the treatment of snoring, and may get rid of the problem entirely.

Active U.S. Navy personnel have used CPAP with amazing success. The system, however, is not so easily utilized on the field.  Members of the armed forces including engineers, firefighters,  air traffic controllers, drivers, and pilots, were not so successful with the CPAP system.  Those in the field have found that carrying the CPAP system was just not practical, and were needed to experiment with other devices.

Rather than dismissing the snoring troops, or putting up with the nighttime noise, the offenders were offered other alternatives.  Some members of the armed forces opt to use nasal strips and other devices to fight the problem.  These silent sleepers are able to do better during the day and appreciate having a better night’s sleep.  The rest of the barracks are also grateful for the quiet.

Of course, snoring is a problem that plagues the whole world, not just North America.  The Chinese army recently proclaimed that it would no longer accept snoring students to military schools.  Not unlike their decision to expel tattooed students on the grounds that they are tarnishing the military image, snoring students are believed to habitually agitate the collective military life.

Whether you  live your days as a civilian or serve in the military, you needn’t surrender your nights to the noisy nocturnal foe.  If you snore, there are choices and snoring treatments available to help you.  Discuss with your doctor or healthcare professional.

Tagged with: sleep apnea • snorer

Filed under: Snoring