Sleep Workbook: Tools to Optimize Your Sleep

If you're looking for tools and resources to optimize your sleep readiness and manage operational fatigue, the Sleep Workbook is for you.

Sleep is essential to military performance, but Service Members often don't get all the sleep they need. If you’re tired of being tired, the Sleep Workbook can help you by providing actionable steps to improve your sleep and boost your energy levels.

The Sleep Workbook is a compilation of HPRC sleep resources organized into 7 different challenges. It's important to complete all 7 challenges to get the most out of this journey. But feel free to progress at your own pace—you don't need to rush through the challenges.

Download your copy and get ready to optimize your sleep readiness!

Published on: August 28, 2024


CHAMP wants to know:
How useful was the information in this article?

Alkozei, A., Smith, R., Kotzin, M. D., Waugaman, D. L., & Killgore, W. D. S. (2019). The association between trait gratitude and self-reported sleep quality is mediated by depressive mood state. Behavioral Sleep Medicine, 17(1), 41–48. doi:10.1080/15402002.2016.1276017

Bankar, M. A., Chaudhari, S. K., & Chaudhari, K. D. (2013). Impact of long term yoga practice on sleep quality and quality of life in the elderly. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 4(1), 28–32. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.109548

Basner, M., Muller, U., & Elmenhorst, E. M. (2011). Single and combined effects of air, road, and rail traffic noise on sleep and recuperation. Sleep, 34(1), 11–23. doi:10.1093/sleep/34.1.11

Bilu, C., Einat, H., Zimmet, P., Vishnevskia-Dai, V., & Kronfeld-Schor, N. (2020). Beneficial effects of daytime high-intensity light exposure on daily rhythms, metabolic state and affect. Scientific Reports, 10(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-020-76636-8

Blume, C., Garbazza, C., & Spitschan, M. (2019). Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep and mood. Somnologie (Berl), 23(3), 147–156. doi:10.1007/s11818-019-00215-x

Boggiss, A. L., Consedine, N. S., Brenton-Peters, J. M., Hofman, P. L., & Serlachius, A. S. (2020). A systematic review of gratitude interventions: Effects on physical health and health behaviors. The Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 135. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110165

Borbely, A. A., Daan, S., Wirz-Justice, A., & Deboer, T. (2016). The two-process model of sleep regulation: A reappraisal. Journal of Sleep Research, 25(2), 131–143. doi:10.1111/jsr.12371

Brown, F. C., Buboltz, W. C., Jr., & Soper, B. (2002). Relationship of sleep hygiene awareness, sleep hygiene practices, and sleep quality in university students. Behavioral Medicine, 28(1), 33–38. doi:10.1080/08964280209596396

Caliandro, R., Streng, A. A., van Kerkhof, L. W. M., van der Horst, G. T. J., & Chaves, I. (2021). Social jetlag and related risks for human health: A timely review. Nutrients, 13(12). doi:10.3390/nu13124543

Carter, B., Rees, P., Hale, L., Bhattacharjee, D., & Paradkar, M. S. (2016). Association between portable screen-based media device access or use and sleep outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 170(12), 1202–1208. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.2341

Chennaoui, M., Arnal, P. J., Sauvet, F., & Leger, D. (2015). Sleep and exercise: A reciprocal issue? Sleep Medicine Reviews, 20, 59–72. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2014.06.008

 Cho, J. R., Joo, E. Y., Koo, D. L., & Hong, S. B. (2013). Let there be no light: The effect of bedside light on sleep quality and background electroencephalographic rhythms. Sleep Medicine, 14(12), 1422–1425. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2013.09.007

Colrain, I. M., Nicholas, C. L., & Baker, F. C. (2014). Alcohol and the sleeping brain. The Handbook of Clinical Neurology 125, 415–431. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-62619-6.00024-0

Crispim, C. A., Zimberg, I. Z., dos Reis, B. G., Diniz, R. M., Tufik, S., & de Mello, M. T. (2011). Relationship between food intake and sleep pattern in healthy individuals. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 7(6), 659–664. doi:10.5664/jcsm.1476

Eastman, C. I., Hoese, E. K., Youngstedt, S. D., & Liu, L. (1995). Phase-shifting human circadian rhythms with exercise during the night shift. Physiology & Behavior, 58(6), 1287–1291. doi:10.1016/0031-9384(95)02031-4

Facer-Childs, E. R., Middleton, B., Skene, D. J., & Bagshaw, A. P. (2019). Resetting the late timing of 'night owls' has a positive impact on mental health and performance. Sleep Medicine, 60, 236–247. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2019.05.001

Fernandez, F. X. (2022). Current insights into optimal lighting for promoting sleep and circadian health: Brighter days and the importance of sunlight in the built environment. Nature Science Sleep, 14, 25–39. doi:10.2147/NSS.S251712

Figueiro, M. G., & Rea, M. S. (2012). Preliminary evidence that light through the eyelids can suppress melatonin and phase shift dim light melatonin onset. BMC Research Notes, 5. doi:10.1186/1756-0500-5-221

Forbes-Robertson, S., Dudley, E., Vadgama, P., Cook, C., Drawer, S., & Kilduff, L. (2012). Circadian disruption and remedial interventions: Effects and interventions for jet lag for athletic peak performance. Sports Medicine, 42(3), 185–208. doi:10.2165/11596850-000000000-00000

Good, C. H., Brager, A. J., Capaldi, V. F., & Mysliwiec, V. (2020). Sleep in the United States Military. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(1), 176–191. doi:10.1038/s41386-019-0431-7

Grant, C. L., Dorrian, J., Coates, A. M., Pajcin, M., Kennaway, D. J., Wittert, G. A., . . . Banks, S. (2017). The impact of meal timing on performance, sleepiness, gastric upset, and hunger during simulated night shift. Independent Health, 55(5), 423–436. doi:10.2486/indhealth.2017-0047

Graybiel, A. M. (2008). Habits, rituals, and the evaluative brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 31, 359–387. doi:10.1146/annurev.neuro.29.051605.112851

Hallegraeff, J. M., van der Schans, C. P., de Ruiter, R., & de Greef, M. H. (2012). Stretching before sleep reduces the frequency and severity of nocturnal leg cramps in older adults: A randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 58(1), 17–22. doi:10.1016/S1836-9553(12)70068-1

Halperin, D. (2014). Environmental noise and sleep disturbances: A threat to health? Sleep Science, 7(4), 209–212. doi:10.1016/j.slsci.2014.11.003

Harding, E. C., Franks, N. P., & Wisden, W. (2020). Sleep and thermoregulation. Current Opinion in Physiology, 15, 7–13. doi:10.1016/j.cophys.2019.11.008

Hirshkowitz, M., Whiton, K., Albert, S. M., Alessi, C., Bruni, O., DonCarlos, L., . . . Adams Hillard, P. J. (2015). National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration recommendations: Methodology and results summary. Sleep Health, 1(1), 40–43. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2014.12.010

Irish, L. A., Kline, C. E., Gunn, H. E., Buysse, D. J., & Hall, M. H. (2015). The role of sleep hygiene in promoting public health: A review of empirical evidence. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 22, 23–36. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2014.10.001

Jackowska, M., Brown, J., Ronaldson, A., & Steptoe, A. (2016). The impact of a brief gratitude intervention on subjective well-being, biology and sleep. Journal of Health Psychology, 21(10), 2207–2217. doi:10.1177/1359105315572455

Jung, H. K., Choung, R. S., & Talley, N. J. (2010). Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disorders: Evidence for a causal link and therapeutic implications. Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 16(1), 22–29. doi:10.5056/jnm.2010.16.1.22

Jurado-Fasoli, L., De-la, O. A., Molina-Hidalgo, C., Migueles, J. H., Castillo, M. J., & Amaro-Gahete, F. J. (2020). Exercise training improves sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 50(3). doi:10.1111/eci.13202

Kaida, K., Takahashi, M., Haratani, T., Otsuka, Y., Fukasawa, K., & Nakata, A. (2006). Indoor exposure to natural bright light prevents afternoon sleepiness. Sleep, 29(4), 462–469. doi:10.1093/sleep/29.4.462

Kinsey, A. W., & Ormsbee, M. J. (2015). The health impact of nighttime eating: Old and new perspectives. Nutrients, 7(4), 2648–2662. doi:10.3390/nu7042648

Koob, G. F., & Colrain, I. M. (2020). Alcohol use disorder and sleep disturbances: A feed-forward allostatic framework. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45(1), 141–165. doi:10.1038/s41386-019-0446-0

Krauchi, K. (2007). The thermophysiological cascade leading to sleep initiation in relation to phase of entrainment. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 11(6), 439–451. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2007.07.001

Lam, R. W., Levitt, A. J., Levitan, R. D., Michalak, E. E., Cheung, A. H., Morehouse, R., . . . Tam, E. M. (2016). Efficacy of bright light treatment, fluoxetine, and the combination in patients with nonseasonal major depressive disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 73(1), 56–63. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.2235

Lambert, G. W., Reid, C., Kaye, D. M., Jennings, G. L., & Esler, M. D. (2002). Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain. Lancet, 360(9348), 1840–1842. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(02)11737-5

Luxton, D. D., Greenburg, D., Ryan, J., Niven, A., Wheeler, G., & Mysliwiec, V. (2011). Prevalence and impact of short sleep duration in redeployed OIF soldiers. Sleep, 34(9), 1189–1195. doi:10.5665/SLEEP.1236

Mantua, J., & Spencer, R. M. C. (2017). Exploring the nap paradox: Are mid-day sleep bouts a friend or foe? Sleep Medicine, 37, 88–97. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2017.01.019

Mendt, S., Gunga, H. C., Felsenberg, D., Belavy, D. L., Steinach, M., & Stahn, A. C. (2021). Regular exercise counteracts circadian shifts in core body temperature during long-duration bed rest. NPJ Microgravity, 7(1). doi:10.1038/s41526-020-00129-1

Mysliwiec, V., McGraw, L., Pierce, R., Smith, P., Trapp, B., & Roth, B. J. (2013). Sleep disorders and associated medical comorbidities in active duty military personnel. Sleep, 36(2), 167–174. doi:10.5665/sleep.2364

Nagare, R., Woo, M., MacNaughton, P., Plitnick, B., Tinianov, B., & Figueiro, M. (2021). Access to daylight at home improves circadian alignment, sleep, and mental health in healthy adults: A crossover study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19). doi:10.3390/ijerph18199980

Niles, A. N., Haltom, K. E., Mulvenna, C. M., Lieberman, M. D., & Stanton, A. L. (2014). Randomized controlled trial of expressive writing for psychological and physical health: The moderating role of emotional expressivity. Anxiety Stress Coping, 27(1), 1–17. doi:10.1080/10615806.2013.802308

Obayashi, K., Yamagami, Y., Kurumatani, N., & Saeki, K. (2019). Pre-awake light exposure and sleep disturbances: Findings from the HEIJO-KYO cohort. Sleep Medicine, 54, 121–125. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2018.10.027

Okamoto, A., Yamamoto, T., Matsumura, R., Node, K., & Akashi, M. (2013). An out-of-lab trial: A case example for the effect of intensive exercise on rhythms of human clock gene expression. Journal of Circadian Rhythms, 11(1). doi:10.1186/1740-3391-11-10

Okano, K., Kaczmarzyk, J. R., Dave, N., Gabrieli, J. D. E., & Grossman, J. C. (2019). Sleep quality, duration, and consistency are associated with better academic performance in college students. NPJ Science of Learning, 4. doi:10.1038/s41539-019-0055-z

Ong, J., & Sholtes, D. (2010). A mindfulness-based approach to the treatment of insomnia. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 66(11), 1175–1184. doi:10.1002/jclp.20736

Park, I., Diaz, J., Matsumoto, S., Iwayama, K., Nabekura, Y., Ogata, H., . . . Vogt, K. E. (2021). Exercise improves the quality of slow-wave sleep by increasing slow-wave stability. Scientific Reports, 11(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-021-83817-6

Potter, G. D. M., & Wood, T. R. (2020). The future of shift work: Circadian biology meets personalised medicine and behavioural science. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7. doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.00116

Satti, M. Z., Khan, T. M., Qurat-Ul-Ain, Q. U., Azhar, M. J., Javed, H., Yaseen, M., . . . Hamza, M. (2019). Association of physical activity and sleep quality with academic performance among fourth-year mbbs students of Rawalpindi Medical University. Cureus, 11(7). doi:10.7759/cureus.5086

Scullin, M. K., Krueger, M. L., Ballard, H. K., Pruett, N., & Bliwise, D. L. (2018). The effects of bedtime writing on difficulty falling asleep: A polysomnographic study comparing to-do lists and completed activity lists. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 147(1), 139–146. doi:10.1037/xge0000374

Stepanski, E. J., & Wyatt, J. K. (2003). Use of sleep hygiene in the treatment of insomnia. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 7(3), 215–225. doi:10.1053/smrv.2001.0246

Temple, J. L., Bernard, C., Lipshultz, S. E., Czachor, J. D., Westphal, J. A., & Mestre, M. A. (2017). The safety of ingested caffeine: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 8. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00080

Thomas, J. M., Kern, P. A., Bush, H. M., McQuerry, K. J., Black, W. S., Clasey, J. L., & Pendergast, J. S. (2020). Circadian rhythm phase shifts caused by timed exercise vary with chronotype. JCI Insight, 5(3). doi:10.1172/jci.insight.134270

Trauer, J. M., Qian, M. Y., Doyle, J. S., Rajaratnam, S. M., & Cunnington, D. (2015). Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine, 163(3), 191–204. doi:10.7326/M14-2841

Twenge, J. M., Hisler, G. C., & Krizan, Z. (2019). Associations between screen time and sleep duration are primarily driven by portable electronic devices: Evidence from a population-based study of U.S. children ages 0–17. Sleep Medicine, 56, 211–218. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2018.11.009

Wood, W., & Runger, D. (2016). Psychology of habit. Annual Review of Psychology, 67, 289–314. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-122414-033417

Youngstedt, S. D., Elliott, J. A., & Kripke, D. F. (2019). Human circadian phase-response curves for exercise. The Journal of Physiology, 597(8), 2253–2268. doi:10.1113/JP276943

Youngstedt, S. D., Kline, C. E., Elliott, J. A., Zielinski, M. R., Devlin, T. M., & Moore, T. A. (2016). Circadian phase-shifting effects of bright light, exercise, and bright light + exercise. Journal of Circadian Rhythms, 14. doi:10.5334/jcr.137

Youngstedt, S. D., Kripke, D. F., & Elliott, J. A. (2002). Circadian phase-delaying effects of bright light alone and combined with exercise in humans. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 282(1), R259–R266. doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00473.2001

Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Neri, B., & Gemignani, A. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 92–107. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353