Understanding and Addressing the Unique Challenges and Conditions of the Veteran: Improving Sleep and Well-Being

Nurs Clin North Am. 2021 Jun;56(2):219-227. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2021.03.002.

Abstract

Veterans are those who have served our country in one of the branches of armed forces or military reserves. The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health system in the nation, providing health care services and latest research for veterans. Non-Veteran Health Administration primary care clinicians, who also take care of veterans, deserve to have an understanding of the unique challenges and conditions these individuals face and the resources that are available to improve sleep health and well-being of all veterans. This article guides these clinicians to manage sleep disorders, mental health disorders, and substance use among veterans.

Keywords: Mental health; Primary care; Sleep; Substance use; Veteran.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Marijuana Use / adverse effects
  • Marijuana Use / epidemiology
  • Marijuana Use / psychology
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / complications
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / psychology*
  • Sleep*
  • Veterans / psychology*
  • Veterans / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid