Sleep-wake dynamics in veteran-service dog dyads: an exploration of overnight concordance.

ABSTRACT:

Study objectives

Sleep disturbances are well-documented for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Increasingly, veterans are turning to service dogs for assistance. Service dogs may positively influence veteran sleep. However, there is a need for research that considers bidirectional sleep interactions at the dyad level. Our objective was to investigate overnight sleep-wake dynamics in veteran-service dog dyads.

Methods

Fifty-six veteran-service dog dyads contributed data for analysis. Standardized questionnaires were captured at baseline (veteran well-being, prior to service dog partnering) and at 3-month follow-up (dyad bond and well-being). Fourteen days of actigraphy (1 min epochs) and ecological momentary assessment (twice daily) were collected at follow-up. We c

SUBMITTER: Leighton SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12597669 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature