Graves: I'm working hard to end Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

It's no secret that the priorities of the new presidential administration will be significantly different than they’ve been over the past eight years.

The military has been dangerously disrespected and underappreciated by President Obama's White House, and our veterans, active duty service members, and military families have felt the consequences the hardest.

Right now, I’m working to jump start the process President-Elect Trump will continue throughout his time in office. Last week, I introduced a resolution in the House that will help combat high rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among U.S. veterans.

Our armed service members face so many challenges when they come home from the front lines and work to readjust to life in America. From physical injuries and trauma to conditions like PTSD, the federal government has an obligation to provide veterans the very best care possible throughout their lives.

PTSD is characterized by recurring nightmares and disrupted sleep, and has affected more and more U.S. soldiers and veterans over recent years. Those suffering from PTSD also have a high occurrence of sleep apnea.

According to studies, 54% of patients with PTSD were diagnosed with sleep apnea, compared to only 20% of the general population. And when left untreated, sleep apnea can worsen the symptoms of PTSD.

With this resolution, I hope we can find solutions to this very real problem and begin providing our veterans with the resources needed to curb the effects of PTSD. One proven treatment for the condition is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system. Soldiers and veterans suffering from PTSD have experienced fewer nightmares when gives access to CPAP systems, and my resolution will work to bring this and other proven treatments for PTSD to our veterans.

Our soldiers sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms, the least we can do is give them everything they need to lead healthy, successful lives once they come home. My resolution is just one step toward that, and I look forward to working on behalf of America's veterans with our new President in the coming months.