Insomnia and Hiring

[0311Marine]

Ive actually searched the site this time and only found a thread for help with insomnia, my question is a diffrent though, Ive sufferd with insomnia for over a year now (from what the doc tells me its a common form of PTSD) when they ask me the medical questions will having insomnia hurt my chances at all? Im sure it can also be a help when I have an all night shift, but my problem is sometimes I dont sleep for a couple days. Any answers would be helpfull (and as for cures I dont like taking drugs but I have in the past not the illegal kind of course, and ive done everything else). Oh and it really dosnt affect anything, the only bad thing I notice is that when I do fall asleep i fall asleep hard.

[Stump]

Are you able to trace isomnia to its roots?

Just because you have it does NOT mean you can handle a night shift. Insomnia affects your judgement, reasoning, and memory. It is more dangerous to be working in such a field with your mind impaired like that. I work night shift, and have for the last 4 years. I am sleep-deprived, but some people refer to it as insomnia, which is completely different.

[mcsap]

Insomnia isn't good. At some point you will be exhausted and it won't go over well if that point occurs when you are coming ON duty. Especially like my department since we work 12 hour shifts.

[SwrnForTruth]

I have had the same problem while on nights. First of all is it a problem effecting your job? Many of us have the same problem with nights or rotating shifts. If you are falling behind in your sleep in then it will be a problem down the road which will significantly effect your Job as a law enforcment officer which will require quick and accurate judgement and thinking. The next step would be to find a solution.
If you have a good reason to beleave it will be a problem then I would disclose it. But only you can decide that. Best of luck to you.

[0311Marine]

Are you able to trace isomnia to its roots?

Just because you have it does NOT mean you can handle a night shift. Insomnia affects your judgement, reasoning, and memory. It is more dangerous to be working in such a field with your mind impaired like that. I work night shift, and have for the last 4 years. I am sleep-deprived, but some people refer to it as insomnia, which is completely different.

No its insomnia, at least thats what the Doc told me, and I do know what the root of the problem is, he said it should go away over time. It dosnt seem to affect anything, Ive went to work before without sleep and functioned fine, Ive also had to work in a very stressfull enviroment without much if any sleep and wasnt impaired at all.

[Ranger__101]

You know what, Go and start the hiring process. I think you'll do just fine and if the issue comes up, you seem reaady to deal with it.

[Kimble]

No its insomnia, at least thats what the Doc told me, and I do know what the root of the problem is, he said it should go away over time. It dosnt seem to affect anything, Ive went to work before without sleep and functioned fine, Ive also had to work in a very stressfull enviroment without much if any sleep and wasnt impaired at all.

Since you've served in the Marine Corps as an 0311, and if never experienced any problems related to your job, I would venture to guess that that is solid evidence that the condition doesn't impair you. If you don't have a medical-related discharge from the USMC, that would likely further support the fact that your condition is really a non-issue.

[Stump]

No its insomnia, at least thats what the Doc told me, and I do know what the root of the problem is, he said it should go away over time. It dosnt seem to affect anything, Ive went to work before without sleep and functioned fine, Ive also had to work in a very stressfull enviroment without much if any sleep and wasnt impaired at all.

Law enforcement is a different job from most, and if you haven't done it before, you have no idea how it will affect you.
I don't know what PTSD is, or what previous jobs you are referring to, but I think you should be more concerned about your health rather than if you can get a job. I know that in this area, most new cops are assigned night shift, and that will be worse for you.

As far as things that have helped me when I have been plagued with insomnia, I've found relaxation tapes help tremendously. It is basically takes you up the length of your body from feet up, and has you concentrate on relaxing each part before moving on. Sounds kind of silly, but I ALWAYS fall asleep before it reaches the end of the tape. I also found that my mind races with undone chores when I try to go to sleep, so I leave a pad of paper by the bed to write down things to do so its out of my mind.

[mxwelch]

Law enforcement is a different job from most, and if you haven't done it before, you have no idea how it will affect you.
I don't know what PTSD is, or what previous jobs you are referring to, but I think you should be more concerned about your health rather than if you can get a job. I know that in this area, most new cops are assigned night shift, and that will be worse for you.

He served in a combat unit with the Marines. He just got back from Iraq. I quite sure he can handle the stress. Post Tramautic Stress Disorder. I realize you might think I've contradicted myself but I haven't. IMO it's something that will go away once he gets adjusted to being back.

[0311Marine]

The PTSD should go away over time, insomnia seems to be the only symptom at all, (I dont jump at real loud noises anymore, that stopped about a week after being back, although my first 4th of July while back was a real pain) Im looking forward to being a cop and dont think ill be impaired at all by this. i just hope the reviewers think the same thing.