STUDENT: Nathaniel Bradley

PROJECT ADVISOR: Michael M. Evans

ABSTRACT

Mental illness is a very serious disorder impacting many people in society today, especially veterans. Many contributing factors play into the progression of mental illness. Post traumatic stress disorder and insomnia are two of many factors that can cause mental illness. Within the U.S. population alone there are approximately 18.8 million, which is composed of 7.6 percent living veterans. Every day approximately 20 to 21 veterans commit suicide (The NCSL Blog, 2020). These illnesses may put the body in harm and aid in the progression of mental illness due to chronic stress and factors these two illnesses have. The purpose of this literature review is to look into whether or not PTSD and insomnia may cause mental illness to progress. Penn State Libraries database was used with key words of: PTSD, insomnia, mental illness. It was then narrowed to journal articles within the years 2010-2020. Mental illness is an under looked disease that many people have without knowing such. To be able to understand the significance of PTSD and insomnia and the toll that may cause to the human body may help understand ways to help and improve veterans that deal with these complications on a daily basis.