In terms of altitude exposure, which demographic is most likely to experience sleep disturbances?

Military personnel are particularly susceptible to sleep disturbances related to altitude exposure due to the unique environments and conditions they often face. When deployed in high-altitude locations, military personnel may experience physiological changes that impact their sleep quality, such as decreased oxygen availability leading to hypoxia. The demands of military operations, often involving irregular schedules, stress, and physical exertion, can further exacerbate these effects, leading to increased incidences of sleep disturbances.

While other demographic groups may experience sleep issues, they typically do not face the same combination of altitude exposure and operational stressors that military personnel do. Young adults and professional athletes, for example, may experience sleep disturbances for various reasons such as lifestyle or training, but they are generally not placed in high-altitude environments as frequently or under such high-stress conditions. Individuals with underlying health conditions may also struggle with sleep, yet their experiences with altitude can vary significantly based on the nature of their health issues and overall resilience. In contrast, the operational readiness and performance demands placed on military personnel in altitude scenarios make them the demographic most likely to experience sleep disturbances.