Herbie Murray
Sleep is an important part of recovering from a concussion, but many people experience post-concussion sleep problems, such as insomnia or hypersomnia. While some people take sleeping pills to help them sleep after a concussion, it's important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, as some sleep aids can worsen recovery and certain medications may increase the risk of bleeding. Doctors may recommend natural remedies, rituals, and good habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding screen time, and drinking non-caffeinated beverages.
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What You'll Learn
- Melatonin is recommended by some to aid sleep after a concussion
- Sleep is critical for recovery, but sleep dysfunction is common after a TBI
- OTC pain medications should be avoided as they may cause brain bleeding
- Natural remedies, rituals and good habits can help with post-concussion sleep
- Consult a doctor for medication to help with sleep after a concussion
Melatonin is recommended by some to aid sleep after a concussion
Sleep is an important part of recovering from a concussion. However, many people experience sleep issues after a concussion, ranging from insomnia to hypersomnia. Sleep issues can also be caused by pre-existing conditions such as insomnia or sleep apnea.
If you are experiencing sleep issues after a concussion, it is important to seek advice from a medical professional. They may recommend melatonin to aid your sleep. Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is available over the counter in some countries, but it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication, especially if you are already taking other prescription drugs or supplements.
Some people find melatonin helpful for regulating their sleep after a concussion, as it can help if your brain is not producing enough melatonin at the right time. However, it may not work for everyone, as it will not help if the sleep sequence is broken after melatonin plays its role. Melatonin comes in different forms, and you may find that taking an extended-release formula works better than an all-at-once dose. Alternatively, you may find that the timing of when you take it is more important than the type of melatonin you take.
In addition to melatonin, there are other ways to improve your sleep after a concussion. These include behavioural changes such as sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine, and incorporating calming activities before bed, such as meditation or listening to music.
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Sleep is critical for recovery, but sleep dysfunction is common after a TBI
Sleep is an essential part of recovering from a concussion. However, sleep dysfunction is common after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In moderate to severe TBI, circadian rhythm disturbances and hypersomnia related to hypothalamic injury are often observed. Damage to the brain stem's locus coeruleus has been linked to worsening sleep apnea. Sleep dysfunction is also commonly associated with mild TBI, or concussion, likely due to transient impairment of the brain's neural networks.
Concussion patients should avoid certain sleep aids that can hinder recovery due to their effects on brain plasticity and cognition. For example, it is recommended to avoid benzodiazepines and drugs with anti-cholinergic effects, such as 5-HTP and SSRIs. Instead, optometrists can refer patients for treatment by a sleep specialist, and patients with chronic insomnia may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or acupuncture.
Some behavioral changes can promote better sleep after a concussion. These include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in calming activities before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment. Proper nutrition, hydration, and avoiding caffeine and sugar can also improve sleep quality. Additionally, sleep apps and breathing techniques can aid in regulating sleep.
If you are experiencing sleep difficulties after a concussion, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. They can provide further recommendations, such as sleep behavior techniques or appropriate medications. It is crucial to monitor your recovery and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
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OTC pain medications should be avoided as they may cause brain bleeding
Sleep is an important part of recovering from a concussion. Many people experience post-concussion sleep problems, such as hypersomnia and insomnia. However, it is crucial to avoid certain medications, particularly over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, as they may cause brain bleeding.
It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially if you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms. A specialist in concussion care should direct the recovery process, as they can provide individualized treatment plans. Additionally, it is important to disclose any prescription medications or supplements you are currently taking to your healthcare provider.
While OTC pain medications should be avoided, there are other options to manage pain and promote sleep during concussion recovery. For example, sleep behavior techniques, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in calming activities before bed, and ensuring a dark and quiet bedroom environment, can be beneficial. Proper hydration and nutrition also play a role in supporting recovery and improving sleep.
In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary to manage symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, or sleep disturbances. However, these should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It is important to note that consistent and prolonged use of headache medications may lead to medication overuse or rebound headaches. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the recommendations and prescriptions provided by your healthcare provider.
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Natural remedies, rituals and good habits can help with post-concussion sleep
Sleep is crucial for recovery after a concussion, but unfortunately, concussions often cause sleep problems. Many patients experience post-concussion insomnia or hypersomnia. If you have sustained a concussion, you may be wondering if it is safe to take sleeping pills. While it is generally safe to sleep after a concussion, it is recommended that someone monitors your breathing and that you wake up every few hours for a brief evaluation.
Natural remedies, rituals, and good habits can help with post-concussion sleep. Here are some suggestions:
Natural Remedies
- Herbal teas: Caffeine-free herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, lemon balm, passionflower, peppermint, rose hip, and sage can help with various post-concussion symptoms and improve sleep quality.
- Aromatherapy: Using essential oils or scented candles with calming scents such as lavender can help you relax and prepare for sleep.
- Supplements: Melatonin supplements can be helpful if your brain is not producing enough at the right time. However, they may not work if your sleep sequence is broken.
- Diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in nutrients like magnesium, folate, inositol (vitamin B8), calcium, iron, and good fatty acids can support your brain and nervous system. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and heavy meals before bedtime.
Rituals and Good Habits
- Consistent sleep schedule: Establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends.
- Relaxing bedtime routine: Create a calming pre-sleep routine by taking a warm bath, dimming the lights, or listening to soothing music.
- Relaxation techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or stretching to calm your mind and body before sleep.
- Limit screen time: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light from electronic devices can interfere with your sleep.
- Create a soothing environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or white noise to create a comfortable sleep environment.
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Consult a doctor for medication to help with sleep after a concussion
Sleep is an important part of recovering from a concussion. However, many people experience sleep issues after a concussion, such as insomnia or hypersomnia. If you are experiencing sleep issues after a concussion, you should consult a doctor for advice. They may recommend certain medications or behavioural changes to help you sleep.
It is important to be cautious when taking any medication after a concussion, as some medications can increase the risk of bleeding. During the first 24 hours after a concussion, you should avoid medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Acetaminophen may be a safer option for pain relief during this time. After the first 24 hours, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are generally safe and more effective for pain relief.
If you are experiencing sleep issues, your doctor may recommend melatonin. Melatonin can help if your brain is not producing enough of it at the right time. However, it may not help if the sleep sequence is broken after melatonin plays its role. In this case, the timing of when you take melatonin may be more important than the type you take.
Your doctor may also recommend behavioural changes to improve your sleep. This may include sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine, and engaging in calming activities before bed, such as meditation or listening to music.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help with sleep. For example, one person on Reddit mentioned being prescribed Ambien by their doctor to help them sleep after a concussion. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, as some drugs can worsen recovery due to their effects on brain plasticity and cognition. Benzodiazepines, for example, are commonly used to treat insomnia but should be avoided after a concussion.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not advisable to take any over-the-counter medications without consulting a doctor first. Medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen could increase the risk of brain bleeding if you have a severe concussion. In some cases, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be a safer option for pain relief. Melatonin is also recommended by some healthcare providers.
Behavioural changes such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in calming activities before bed, and avoiding caffeine can help promote sleep.
Sleep issues such as insomnia and hypersomnia are common after a concussion. Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep, while hypersomnia involves sleeping more than usual and feeling extra drowsy.
Sleep issues generally improve as the injury heals, which can take a few weeks. However, if sleep issues persist, it may be an indication of post-concussion syndrome.
