The US military wants to help its pilots and other warfighters sleep better — but also stay awake when it matters most

Pilots flying a C-130 military transport aircraft.

Staff Sgt. Kylee Warren/US Air National Guard

• The US military's research arm is researching how to improve sleep for combat troops and pilots.
• The DoD has long known that chronic sleeplessness can pose serious long-term health risks.
• DARPA-funded light therapy devices could one day boost alertness and sleep efficiency without stimulants.

US military personnel aren't getting enough sleep, but a top Pentagon...