Sleep Deprivation Risks Every Veteran Should Know - Tango Alpha Lima

Sleep Deprivation Risks Every Veteran Should Know - Tango Alpha Lima

Author: The American Legion March 3, 2026 Duration: 1:00:51

Sleep isn't a luxury — it's a mission-critical function. And for veterans, the stakes are even higher. Dr. Sara Alger, Sleep Research Scientist with the Psychological Health Branch at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, unpacks what chronic sleep deprivation is actually doing to your brain and body — and what you can do about it.

Alger explains why the military culture of "I'll sleep when I'm dead" carries real long-term consequences, how combat-trained sleep patterns can follow you home long after deployment, and why those 3 a.m. wake-ups may be more biology than disorder. She also makes the case for tactical napping as a legitimate performance tool — not a sign of weakness.

Whether you're dealing with PTSD-related sleep disruption, years of short nights, or just waking up exhausted, this conversation offers science-backed answers and practical strategies.

Also in this episode: a bipartisan effort to expand overdose protection for veterans, the wartime origins of Daylight Saving Time, and how the Star-Spangled Banner became official.


SHOW LINKS

Learn more about Buddy Checks

Join The American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge

Learn more about the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

Facts about tactical napping

Defense Health Agency Continuing Education Program Office

Be a part of The American Legion Oratorical Contest

Learn more about the End Veterans Overdose Act of 2026

Wartime history of Daylight Savings Time

Health tips for help you Spring Forward

Star-spangled history or The National Anthem

Learn more about the U.S. Flag - Indivisible: The Story of Our Flag


Hosted by three veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, the Tango Alpha Lima Podcast from The American Legion is a weekly conversation built on shared experience. Each episode sits down with fellow veterans and influential voices from the military community for discussions that are as substantive as they are engaging. Listeners will hear candid stories about the transition to civilian life, moments of valor, and the ongoing journey toward mental wellness, including frank talk about overcoming PTSD and navigating VA benefits. But this podcast is more than just interviews; it’s a reflection of military camaraderie. The hosts bring a familiar, often humorous dynamic to the table, blending playful joking and vibrant discussion with their takes on current events, interesting trends, and the quirky stories that resonate with those who have served. It’s a mix of heartfelt personal narratives, practical advice, and timely commentary, all delivered with the authenticity only insiders can provide. Tune in for a connection that feels like pulling up a chair with old friends who aren’t afraid to tackle the tough topics or share a laugh about the lighter side of life in and after the uniform.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Tango Alpha Lima Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Best of 2025: Ken Burns previews American Revolution documentary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:15
First up in our Top 6 most impactful guests from 2025, renowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his new documentary film on the American Revolution, his Vietnam War documentary series, his path to a career in…
Miss America Cassie Donegan at Army-Navy Game USAA Media Row [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:11
2026 Miss America Cassie Donegan joined American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast hosts Joe Worley and Adam Marr live at Media Row in Baltimore before the 2025 Army Navy Game presented by USAA. Donegan talks about how her…
MandatoryFunDay and VivaLaVargas live at Army-Navy Game Media Row [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:20
Social media influencers @MandatoryFunday (Austin von Letkemann) and @VivaLaVargas (Johnny Vargas) join American Legion Tango Alpha Lima Podcast hosts Joe Worley and Adam Marr to kick off a day of live interviews from US…
The Fight to Fight: Women Warriors Breaking Barriers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:05
The battle for equality in the U.S. military didn't happen overnight. It took decades of courage, persistence and women who refused to back down. Documentary filmmakers Joy Bronson and Ellen Haring reveal the untold stor…