Brief analysis on the disciplinary theories of military sleep medicine

Abstract

Objective To preliminarily probe into the disciplinary theory system of military sleep medicine, so as to provide references and instructions to the researches in this field. Literature resource and selection Relevant articles published in China and abroad. Literature quotation Seventy-four published papers were cited. Literature synthesis Based on brief reviews of the establishing process and main stages of development of military sleep medicine, the basic concepts, branches, research tasks and research methods of military sleep medicine were introduced. Military sleep medicine can be divided into army sleep medicine, navy sleep medicine, air force sleep medicine or aerospace sleep medicine, rocket force sleep medicine by subject. The main research scope of military sleep medicine includes following aspects: sleep related medical service, clinical medicine, pharmacy, psychology and cognitive ergonomics, and biomedical engineering for military personnel. The investigation of military sleep medicine can be done by three methods: ①by subjective questionnaire for sleep or insomnia investigation. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQ) scale, Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS) and other scales are the common tool used for objective investigation. ②by objective monitoring of sleep and wakefulness, such as the monitoring by polysomnography and wrist actigraphy. ③by detection and evaluation of basic cognitive performance, such as attention, memory, reaction time and correct rate to visual or auditory stimuli, etc., as well as the special cognitive performance in military operation that typically presented by flight simulator. With the application of high-tech weapons and transformation of training mode the cognitive performance of military personnel will be the key factor to determine the fighting capacity. On the base of military sleep medicine researches the effective regulation of the sleep-wake function of military personnel will play an important role in improving sleep, maintaining wakefulness and enhancing operational ability. Conclusions As a new interdisciplinary subject in military medicine, military sleep medicine are being formed and gradually matured. We should deepen and expand the researches on military sleep medicine to fulfill the new requirements of mission and further improve the medical support capability of Chinese military forces. Key words: Sleep; Military medicine; Professional competence; Review