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Are you wondering how to navigate your sleep routine after experiencing a concussion? In this article, we’ll guide you through the key information you need to know about concussion sleeping.
You may have heard conflicting advice in the past, but medical experts now assure you that it is safe to sleep after a traumatic brain injury.
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 brain injury.
So, while sleep itself isn’t harmful for someone with a concussion, it’s wise to seek medical advice before going to bed. A doctor can determine the severity of the concussion and rule out more serious conditions.
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.
Concussion Symptoms and Sleep: What You Need to Know
During a concussion, symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, headaches, and sleep difficulties. Sleep disturbances following a concussion can vary from person to person and don’t always indicate the severity or type of concussion.
Approximately 30% to 80% of people develop some kind of sleep problems after a concussion. 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.
Sleep is a crucial part of the recovery process for concussions. Research shows that waking up more during the night prolongs concussion symptoms. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms after a head 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, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Here are some reasons why seeking medical attention for sleep issues after a concussion is crucial:
- Proper evaluation: Medical professionals can assess your symptoms and determine if they’re related to the concussion or if there may be other underlying factors causing your sleep issues.
- Treatment options: Seeking medical attention allows you to explore various treatment options specifically tailored to your sleep patterns and symptoms. This can help improve your sleep quality and overall recovery.
- Monitoring for complications: Sleep issues after a concussion can sometimes be a sign of more serious complications. Medical professionals can closely monitor your condition and intervene if necessary to prevent any further complications.
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
In conclusion, understanding how to navigate your sleep routine after experiencing a concussion is crucial for a smooth recovery process. It’s safe to sleep after a concussion, and rest plays a vital role in healing the brain.
By following sleep recommendations, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and seeking medical attention if necessary, you can improve your sleep quality and aid in your recovery.
Remember to prioritize rest and give your brain the rest it needs to heal effectively.
