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Can you sleep with a concussion? You may have heard conflicting advice in the past, but medical experts now assure you that it is safe to rest after a traumatic brain injury. In this article, we’ll guide you through the key information you need about concussion and sleep hygiene tips to help you sleep well even with it.
What is Concussion?
Concussion is a blow, bump or jolt to the head that results in a temporary loss of normal brain function. It is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that may last for less than a day or up to months [1].
Concussion Symptoms and Sleep: What You Need to Know
People with concussion may experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headache, nausea, loss of memory, or difficulty falling asleep [2].
Approximately 30% of concussion patients report insomnia symptoms and continued sleep disruptions after a concussion. 25% of patients also experience hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness) within the first few days of injury [3]. It’s common to feel sleepy and take extra naps in the first week after a concussion, then have trouble sleeping in the following weeks. Poor sleep in children with concussions leads to more severe symptoms and longer recovery time.
Is It Safe To Sleep After A Concussion?
The worry that someone with a concussion should stay awake stems from an old fear that it could lead to a coma or even death. In truth, sleep doesn’t cause such outcomes. Yet, there’s a catch: if someone is asleep, it’s impossible to spot symptoms of serious head injury.
So, while sleep itself isn’t harmful for someone with a concussion, it’s wise to seek medical advice before going to bed. Even if it’s a mild concussion, it should not be taken lightly as there’s a chance that it may cause permanent damage [2].
Recommendations for Sleep After A Concussion
After someone suffers a head injury, it’s crucial to monitor them closely within the initial 24-hour period. Medical experts recommend that caregivers should gently awaken the person with the concussion every couple of hours.
During these wakeful moments, it’s helpful to ask them simple questions to check their awareness and watch for any odd behaviors. It’s also advisable to briefly shine a light into their eyes to see if the pupils are equal in size and react normally to the light.
This vigilance helps detect any slow bleeding that might occur due to the injury.
Tips for Improving Sleep With a Concussion
To improve your sleep during concussion recovery, try implementing these helpful tips.
- Establish good sleep habits by maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule. This will help regulate your body’s internal clock and promote better sleep.
- Create a soothing sleep environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Remove electronics and distractions from the bedroom to minimize disruptions.
- Avoid stimulating activities and bright screens before bedtime, as they can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. If you’re having trouble falling asleep after 20 minutes, engage in calming activities such as deep breathing or reading.
- Consider incorporating light exercise into your routine as you start feeling better, as it can improve sleep quality.
Long-Term Sleep Problems and the Role of Sleep Specialists
For long-term sleep problems related to a concussion, sleep specialists can provide advanced testing and develop personalized treatment plans.
If you’re experiencing ongoing sleep issues after a concussion, it’s important to seek the expertise of a sleep specialist. These specialists have the knowledge and tools to assess your sleep quality and determine the underlying causes of your sleep disorder.
They can conduct advanced tests, such as polysomnography, to monitor your brain waves, heart rate, and breathing patterns during sleep.
Additionally, sleep specialists are familiar with post-concussion syndrome and the specific sleep disturbances that can occur as a result.
They can tailor treatment plans to address your individual needs, including cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, medication management, or other interventions to improve your sleep and overall well-being.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Sleep Issues After a Concussion
If you frequently experience sleep issues after a concussion, you may want to consider seeking medical advice from your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
If you are also experiencing symptoms such as slurred speech, seizures, inability to wake up, worsened symptoms that persist after 10-14 days or find yourself frequently losing consciousness, it is a good indicator that you may need to seek immediate medical attention.
What You Should Avoid If You Have a Concussion
After a concussion, the brain needs rest to heal properly. It’s important to avoid activities that might delay recovery or worsen symptoms. Caregivers, especially parents of children who have had a concussion, should ensure these restrictions are followed:
- Avoiding Heights: Post-concussion, individuals may experience sudden dizziness. They should not climb ladders, stand on roofs or chairs, or be near the edges of cliffs to prevent the risk of falls.
- Refraining from Jumping: Activities that involve jumping can jolt the brain, potentially aggravating symptoms.
- Steering Clear of Rough Play: Being in environments where there’s a risk of objects being thrown or rough physical interactions can lead to further injury.
- Not Cycling or Motorbiking: Riding a bicycle or motorcycle should be off-limits until the person’s balance, coordination, and reflexes fully return to normal.
- Avoiding Amusement Park Rides: Rides that involve rapid movements such as spinning or fast turns can overstimulate a recovering vestibular system, leading to increased symptoms like dizziness or nausea.
- Steering Clear of Water and Snow Sports: Water skiing, surfing, and snowboarding demand quick reflexes and a good balance – these should be avoided until complete recovery.
It’s critical to adhere to these guidelines until a full recovery from concussion symptoms is achieved to ensure the safety and health of the individual.
Conclusion
Sleep is not only safe after a concussion but also essential for recovery. Proper sleep hygiene, a controlled sleep environment, and medical attention when necessary can support healing and prevent long-term sleep disturbances.
If you’re struggling with sleep after a concussion, the ShutEye® app can help you track your sleep patterns and improve your rest with personalized insights. Download ShutEye today and take control of your sleep health!
