(37) SLEEP QUALITY AND HEALTH OUTCOMES IN COLLEGE-AGED ROTC CADETS: IMPLICATIONS FOR MILITARY PHYSICAL READINESS

Purpose: Sleep quality is critical for military readiness, influencing cognitive performance, physical health, and psychological resilience.^1,2,4 This study aimed to assess sleep quality and its associated health implications in college-aged ROTC cadets, a population transitioning to military leadership roles, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Methods: Data were collected from 44 ROTC cadets (n=44) at a single time point. Sleep quality was evaluated via the Global PSQI score, with scores >5 indicating poor sleep quality. Percentages of cadets scoring 2 or 3 (moderate to severe disturbance) on Total Sleep Time (Component 3), Total Time in Bed (Component 4), Poor Sleep Onset (>30min), Night-Time Awakenings, Daytime Awake Trouble, Enthusiasm, and Subjective Sleep Quality were calculated. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence. Results: Of the 44 cadets, 43.2% (19 participants) exhibited poor sleep quality (Global PSQI >5). Variable-specific findings showed 40.0% scored 2 or 3 on Total Sleep Time (< 6 hours), 35.0% on Total Time in Bed (< 75% efficiency), 33.3% on Poor Sleep Onset (>30min), 39.4% on Night-Time Awakenings, 9.1% on Daytime Awake Trouble, 24.2% on Enthusiasm, and 27.3% on Subjective Sleep Quality. Conclusions: Nearly half of the ROTC cadets demonstrated poor sleep quality, consistent with prior research indicating sleep deficits in military trainees. High rates of reduced sleep duration and efficiency, coupled with frequent night-time awakenings, suggest chronic sleep debt, potentially compromising tactical readiness and mental health, as supported by studies linking sleep disturbances to increased PTSD and depression risk in military personnel.^1,3,4 Practical Applications: Strength and conditioning professionals working with ROTC cadets should prioritize sleep education and recovery strategies (e.g., structured napping, sleep hygiene protocols) to enhance performance and mitigate health risks, ensuring these future officers are optimally prepared for military service demands. Acknowledgements: Eastern Kentucky University ROTC Command