Should a Head Injury Resulting in Concussion Pose a Risk During Sleep?

Navigating sleep with a concussion? Fret not, my friend! Medical pros are all in agreement that catching some Z's post-brain injury is completely safe. In this guide, we'll run you through the key info you need about concussions and sleep hygiene tips to help you catch some quality shut-eye.

Concussion Basics

Ever-heard the term "concussion"? It's a shaka to the melon that temporarily knocks your noggin's function for a loop. This mild traumatic brain injury often lasts a day or two, but in some cases can persist for several months [1].

Concussion & Sleep Issues: What You Must Know

People dealing with a concussion could experience symptoms like dizziness, confusion, headaches, nausea, memory issues, and sleep troubles [2]. Roughly 30% of concussion patients complain of insomnia and continued sleep disturbances [3]. After the first week of recovery, they might struggle to snooze soundly. Kids especially struggle with bad sleep, which leads to worse symptoms and a longer recovery period.

Can I Kip After A Concussion?

You might've heard the old myth about staying awake after a concussion causing a coma or even death. But fear not, sleep itself is harmless in this situation. However, it's tricky – if someone sleeps, their symptoms won't be visible, so it's crucial to seek medical advice before bedding down [2].

Even though mild concussions aren't likely to be life-threatening, they can potentially do lasting damage, so it's always best to err on the side of caution.

Sleep Aid After A Concussion: A Guide

In the first 24 hours post-concussion, keep a close eye on the injury victim. Every couple of hours, gently rouse them from slumber, ask them simple questions to gauge their awareness, and watch for any odd behaviors. Shine a light in their peepers to ensure their eyes respond normally [4].

Better Sleep Tips for Concussion Care

To sleep like a baby during your concussion recovery, try these tips:

Healthy Sleep Routine: Establish solid sleep habits by sticking to a consistent sleep-wake schedule to help regulate your body's internal clock and catch those peaceful Z's sooner [3].
Comfortable Bedroom: Create a restful sleep environment by keeping the room cool, dark, and serene. Send electronics packing from the sleeping sanctuary to minimize disruptions [2].
Relaxing Pre-Sleep Activities: Steer clear of stimulating activities before bedtime, such as boisterous video games or action-packed movies. Instead, wind down with calming activities like deep breathing or reading [5].
Before-Bed Exercise: Incorporate gentle exercise into your routine as your symptoms improve. Improved sleep quality is often the result [5].

Long-Term Sleep Problems & Sleep Specialists

For ongoing sleep woes linked to a concussion, sleep specialists can lend a helping hand. These experts run advanced tests, like polysomnography, to observe your brain waves, heart rate, and breathing patterns during sleep. They're also familiar with post-concussion syndrome and the sleep disturbances it can cause [4].

Armed with this knowledge, they'll create personalized treatment plans to tackle your specific sleep issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication management, and other interventions could be on the cards.

Seeking Medical Help for Sleep Issues after a Concussion

If you're facing ongoing sleep struggles post-concussion, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider pronto. If you're also dealing with symptoms like slurred speech, seizures, difficulty waking up, symptoms that worsen after 10-14 days, or frequent fainting, it's advisable to seek immediate medical attention [4].

Say No To These After A Concussion

After a concussion, give your brain a break to heal. Avoid these activities to speed up recovery and prevent worsening symptoms:

High-Altitude Adventures: After a concussion, you might feel dizzy. Steer clear of heights, stairs, or any edgey spots to reduce the risk of falls [6].
Bucket-list Jumps: Activities that involve jumping, such as trampolines or long jumps, can jolt your brain, potentially making symptoms worse.
Dodgy Play: Keep away from rough-and-tumble environments where there's a chance of objects being hurled or physical contact.
No Wheelies: Cycling or motorbiking should be a no-go until your balance, coordination, and reflexes are back to normal.
Skip the Pleasure Cruise: Water sports like water skiing, surfing, or sailing demand quick reflexes and good balance. Give 'em a miss till you're fully healed [6].
*Roller Coaster Rides: Rides with abrupt movements like spins or fast turns can overstimulate a recovering vestibular system, leading to increased symptoms like dizziness or nausea. Steer clear of them until you've made a full recovery.

Following these guidelines will help ensure your safety and pave the way to a swift recovery.

The Bottom Line: Zzz's & Concussion Recovery

Sleep plays a vital role in recovery from a concussion. Adopting good sleep habits, creating a soothing sleep environment, and medical attention when required can support healing and prevent long-term sleep disruptions.

If struggles with sleeppost-concussion still plague you, the ShutEye® app can help you track your sleep patterns and offer personalized sleep insights. Download ShutEye today to get a handle on your sleep health!

People dealing with a concussion could experience sleep troubles, with insomnia being a common complaint among 30% of patients.
Maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as following a consistent sleep-wake schedule and creating a cool, dark, and peaceful bedroom, can help individuals with a concussion sleep better.
After a concussion, it is crucial to seek medical advice before bedding down since symptoms might not be visible if someone sleeps.
For ongoing sleep problems linked to a concussion, sleep specialists can offer advanced tests and personalized treatment plans, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication management, and other interventions.