(30) EFFECTS OF POOR SLEEP ON MENTAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE IN ROTC CADETS: BASELINE OBSERVATIONS FROM A PILOT STUDY

Purpose: This study aimed to examine baseline sleep quality and mental health outcomes among ROTC cadets. In today’s high-pressure academic and tactical environments, factors such as increased screen time, irregular eating habits, and elevated stress levels may contribute to insufficient sleep. The purpose of our study was observational in nature to identify the prevalence of poor sleep and symptoms of anxiety, thereby establishing a foundation for future interventions designed to improve mental and cognitive performance in this specialized population. Methods: Observational baseline data were collected from 44 ROTC cadets aged 18–45 during the spring semester. Participants completed validated questionnaires to assess their sleep and mental health status. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) classified overall sleep quality, and the Sleep Difficulty Score (SDS) from the ASSQ identified the severity of sleep initiation and maintenance issues. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory measured anxiety levels. Cadets not enrolled in the EKU ROTC program or those with current U.S. Army training restrictions were excluded to ensure a representative sample of the targeted tactical population. Results: Of the 44 (n=44) cadets surveyed, 91% reported sleeping fewer than seven hours per night, indicating sleep deprivation. Fifty-five percent were categorized as poor sleepers using the PSQI, while 52% expressed neutral or dissatisfied sleep quality. Moreover, 52% indicated a wake-up time that varied by more than one hour day to day. The SDS data revealed that 16% scored moderate and 25% scored severe for difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, with 30% reporting it took more than 30 minutes to fall asleep. Notably, 63% experienced panic, worry, or insomnia-related concerns while lying in bed. Elevated scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were consistent with these findings, suggesting a strong link between inadequate sleep and increased anxiety in this tactical population. Conclusions: The baseline observational data underscore a significant relationship between poor sleep quality and heightened anxiety in ROTC cadets. These findings highlight the potential for sleep deficits to contribute to broader mental health challenges and cognitive impairments within this high-performing group. Recognizing these associations is critical for developing strategies to mitigate the negative outcomes of poor sleep. Practical Applications: Integrating sleep hygiene education and targeted interventions into ROTC training programs may serve as an effective strategy to enhance mental health and cognitive performance. These baseline findings provide essential insights for future initiatives aimed at optimizing sleep quality, reducing anxiety, and ultimately improving operational readiness in tactical populations. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge the EKU ROTC Command for their cooperation within the study.