Since 2014, the Department of Defense has recognized sleep as a critical component of military readiness, as outlined in DoD Instruction 1010.10. However, despite this directive, annual reports continue to highlight worsening trends in sleep deprivation and fatigue across the force.
For instance, in 2015, the RAND Corporation conducted a comprehensive analysis of sleep in the military, publishing a white paper that underscored the growing risks associated with inadequate rest. The real-world consequences of sleep deprivation are evident in ongoing fatigue-related mishaps, which cost the U.S. billions of dollars each year. A stark example occurred in 2017, when two separate ship collisions resulted in the tragic loss of 19 sailors—both incidents were attributed to fatigue.
Over the years, DoD commands have invested millions of dollars in efforts to comply with DoD Instruction 1010.10, achieving some localized successes. However, a lack of unified leadership has left these efforts fragmented across the department. This challenge was reaffirmed in 2024, when the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report warning that sleep deprivation and fatigue were critically undermining military readiness:
“DOD has not identified and delegated sufficient oversight authority at the department level, and the military services have not assigned leadership to oversee service-level efforts.”
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, my team developed a comprehensive strategy to address military fatigue at scale. In a memorandum to the Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, I outlined a plan that integrates wellness-driven initiatives to enhance lethality and operational performance across the U.S. military.
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