The effect of conscript general training on sleep quality of soldiers

Military personnel and soldiers, are at greater risk of public health and sleep disorders than civilians because of special missions, occupational issues, excessive psychological pressure and strict military laws.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of conscript general training on the sleep quality of soldiers.

The present study was quasi-experimental with pre and post-intervention. The study population consisted of all soldiers in a general training center of military service in 2016. A total of 520 soldiers were studied using non-probability and convenience sampling. The study was conducted in two stages before and after the completion of the military training course during about two months. Demographic and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires were used for data collection. Finally, the results were analyzed using SPSS 20. The significance level of all tests was considered P<0.05.

The results showed that the mean scores of the Pittsburgh sleep quality questionnaire at the beginning of general military training and the end of the training period were 8.5± 2.6 and 12.8± 2.9, respectively (P<0.05). The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in all dimensions of the questionnaire except for a delay in sleep.

 Considering the decreased sleep quality. ,   it is  suggested to provide context for organizing group counseling sessions, reducing night wakes, improving nutrition, and sports activities.