Concussion Care: Stay Awake After Brain Injury

Sleep after a concussion was previously believed to be dangerous, with the potential to cause a coma or even death. However, medical professionals now agree that it is safe for someone with a concussion to sleep, as long as they are regularly woken to monitor their symptoms. Rest is considered an essential part of recovery from a concussion, and sleep disturbances are common following a head injury. Difficulty sleeping is a symptom of a concussion and can last for several weeks.

It is safe to sleep after a concussion, but only if you can hold a conversation and don't have obvious symptoms

Sleep is an important part of healing, and getting rest and sleep after a concussion is generally considered safe. However, it is crucial to monitor for any symptoms that may indicate a more serious head injury.

Historically, it was believed that people with concussions should stay awake to prevent slipping into a coma. However, medical professionals now recognize that this advice is unfounded, and sleeping after a concussion will not lead to a coma or death. In fact, rest is essential for recovery from a mild head injury, especially during the first three to five days.

So, when is it safe to sleep after a concussion? According to experts, it is safe for a concussed person to sleep if they can hold a conversation and don't exhibit obvious symptoms of a concussion while they are awake. Obvious symptoms to watch out for include dilated pupils, difficulty walking, and other signs of a serious head injury, such as seizures or weakness on one side of the body.

If a person with a concussion is awake and conversing, they can be allowed to fall asleep as long as they don't develop any new symptoms. For children, it is recommended to wake them up a couple of times during the night to ensure they can be aroused from sleep. Additionally, it is important to ensure that their breathing pattern is normal.

In summary, while it is generally safe to sleep after a concussion, it is crucial to monitor for any symptoms that may indicate a more serious head injury. Allowing the person to get adequate rest while also remaining vigilant for potential warning signs will support their recovery.

Sleep is an important part of recovery from a concussion

However, it's important to monitor the person with the concussion for any worsening symptoms, such as seizures or weakness on one side of the body. For this reason, it's recommended to have someone check in on the sleeping person a few times to ensure they are breathing regularly and showing no signs of more serious injury. In the case of children, parents or caregivers should wake them a couple of times throughout the night to ensure they are able to be aroused.

If a person is awake and able to hold a conversation, it is generally safe to let them fall asleep after a concussion, as long as they are not exhibiting other symptoms such as dilated pupils or issues with walking. It's also important to ensure that the person is getting enough sleep and following a regular sleep schedule. This may include establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music, and avoiding screens and caffeine before bed.

In addition to sleep, it's recommended to rest the body and mind for 24 to 48 hours after a concussion, avoiding sports, electronic use, and school or work. Slowly returning to normal activities will help speed up recovery. While most people recover quickly from a concussion, some may experience symptoms for days, weeks, or even months.

If you can't sleep, try to maintain a consistent exercise routine, a regular sleep schedule, and reduce alcohol and caffeine intake

If you're experiencing sleep issues after a concussion, there are several strategies you can try to improve your sleep. Maintaining a consistent exercise routine can be beneficial. Research suggests that moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking or swimming, can improve sleep quality and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. These exercises can be done during the day, in the afternoon, or even within a few hours of bedtime, as recent studies indicate that working out before bed does not significantly affect sleep onset or quality.

In addition to aerobic exercises, resistance exercises or strength training can also enhance sleep quality. Examples of resistance exercises include using resistance bands, performing push-ups or sit-ups, and yoga, which has the added benefit of alleviating stress and reducing pain. It is recommended to perform sets of resistance exercises with up to 12 repetitions each.

While exercise can be beneficial, it is also important to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, ensuring you get at least the recommended amount of sleep. During your wind-down routine, opt for quiet activities like taking a bath or listening to relaxing music, and avoid using electronics or bright lights at least an hour before bedtime. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and fairly cool to promote restful sleep.

Additionally, reducing your intake of caffeine and alcohol can positively impact your sleep. While consuming these substances together may offset their individual negative impacts on sleep in the short term, relying on this combination for an extended period may lead to a cycle of self-medication, ultimately deteriorating sleep quality. Instead, focus on maintaining a consistent exercise routine and a regular sleep schedule to improve your sleep.

You should still seek medical attention after a concussion, even if you plan on sleeping

Sleep is an important part of healing from a concussion, but it can be dangerous to sleep without first seeking medical attention. While sleeping after a concussion won't lead to a coma or death, it can make it difficult to monitor symptoms of a serious head injury, such as seizures or weakness on one side of the body.

If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, it's important to seek medical attention right away. A medical professional will be able to assess the severity of the injury and provide guidance on next steps. They might recommend checking in a few times while the person is sleeping to monitor their breathing, which doesn't require waking them up.

In the case of children, it's especially important to seek medical attention. For children who have suffered a head injury, parents and caregivers should monitor them for possible symptoms of a concussion, such as crying more than usual, changes in eating or sleeping habits, or a loss of interest in people or toys.

Once you've received medical clearance, there are a few tips to keep in mind to promote healthy sleep after a concussion:

• Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine. This may include a warm bath or shower, aromatherapy, reading, or listening to soothing music.
• Maintain a consistent sleep and wake schedule, even on weekends.
• Create a quiet, comfortable, and dark environment for sleeping.
• Understand how much sleep is needed. Most individuals need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and finish meals 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• Limit screen time within one to two hours before bed.

Remember, always seek medical attention first if you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, and follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

If you can't wake someone with a concussion, call emergency services

It is imperative to call emergency services if you are unable to wake someone with a concussion. This is because a person who has sustained a concussion may slip into a coma or lose consciousness, which can be life-threatening.

While it was previously believed that sleeping after a concussion could lead to a coma or death, current medical advice suggests that sleep is beneficial for recovery. However, it is crucial to monitor the person for any signs of deterioration, such as dilated pupils or difficulty walking. If they exhibit any of these symptoms, they should be taken to the emergency room immediately.

Additionally, it is recommended to have someone stay with the injured person for the first 12 to 24 hours after the concussion. During this time, they can be periodically awakened to ensure they are responsive and exhibiting no changes in behaviour or appearance. This is particularly important for children, who should be awakened a few times during the night to ensure they can be easily aroused from sleep.

In summary, while sleeping after a concussion is generally safe, it is crucial to remain vigilant for any signs of deterioration. If the person cannot be awakened or exhibits concerning symptoms, it is vital to call emergency services immediately.

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