Military Review English Edition January-February 2017 | Page 97

SLEEP BANKING

overwhelmingly positive. For example, feedback from
soldiers at all levels up to the battalion commander
indicated that 2nd Platoon had noticeably higher
levels of morale and motivation than any other unit
throughout their week of sleep banking and their week
in the field at gunnery.
Soldiers stated they got more sleep overall, which
positively affected their mood, morale, and motivation.

down their morning pace, which positively affected
their children’s stress level as well. Soldiers and leaders
described increased efficiency and productivity beginning early in the morning and lasting throughout the
workday. According to leaders, the platoon appeared
happier and had higher morale overall.
During the week in the field, soldiers and leaders
reported going into the mission feeling well and not

They preferred doing PT in the afternoons, reporting
more productive workouts with greater gains due to
being more awake, being more motivated, having more
energy (potentially also related to snacking throughout the day), and sleeping better at night. Soldiers
reported that doing PT in the afternoon made their
entire day more efficient with less time wasted overall.
Conversely, leadership reported having a harder time
doing PT in the afternoon because many of their meetings were scheduled later in the day based on traditional battle-rhythm events.
Soldiers and leaders alike reported improved family
time in the mornings, less stress, and less irritability,
and many reported eating a better breakfast. Soldiers
who were single parents also reported less stress, and
they were appreciative that they were able to slow

Chief Mass Communication Spc. Keith DeVinney, U.S. Navy, sleeps between exercises during Fleet Combat Camera Pacific’s Winter Quick
Shot 2013 combined field training exercise, held 17 February 2013
in the Angeles National Forest near Azusa, California. (Photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Peter D. Blair, U.S. Navy)

MILITARY REVIEW  January-February 2017

fatigued. They felt more receptive to new information
and feedback, and they were able to grasp new information more quickly. They noted being more engaged,
and they said they were better able to tackle tasks
more quickly and efficiently. The leadership reported
that higher morale continued throughout gunnery. No
accidents or injuries were reported. For 2nd Platoon,
sleep banking appears to have resulted in improved
health, wellness, performance, and quality of life both
at home and at work.
95