Head Trauma: Stay Awake, Stay Safe

Sleep after a head injury has long been a debated topic. Previously, medical professionals advised people to stay awake following a concussion, warning that sleeping could lead to a coma or even death. However, this advice has since been debunked by experts who now agree that it is safe for someone with a concussion to sleep. In fact, sleep is an important part of the healing process, and depriving someone of sleep after a head injury can hinder their recovery. While it is safe to sleep after a concussion, it is important to monitor the person for any deteriorating symptoms, such as seizures or weakness on one side of the body. Additionally, anyone who experiences symptoms of a concussion should seek medical attention to rule out more serious head injuries.

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

It is generally safe to sleep after a concussion, but only if you are displaying no other symptoms and are able to hold a conversation.

Historically, it was believed that a person with a concussion should not sleep, out of concern that they might slip into a coma or lose consciousness. However, this advice has changed. Experts now recognise rest as an essential part of recovery from a mild head injury, especially during the first three to five days.

If you have suffered a concussion, you may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Dizziness
• Clumsiness
• Vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Difficulty walking
• Seizures
• Weakness on one side of the body

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to avoid sleeping until you can be seen by a healthcare professional. If you are displaying no symptoms and are able to hold a conversation, it is safe to sleep. In fact, sleep is an important part of the healing process, so you should get plenty of rest.

If you are caring for someone who has suffered a concussion, it is a good idea to wake them up periodically to check that they are breathing regularly.

Sleeping after a head injury can speed up the healing process

It is a common misconception that sleeping after a head injury is dangerous. In fact, sleep is an important part of the healing process and can help speed up recovery. The idea that sleep after a head injury could lead to a coma is simply not true.

It is safe to sleep after a head injury as long as you can hold a conversation, walk without difficulty, and your pupils are not dilated. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a serious head injury, such as seizures or weakness on one side of the body, you should seek medical advice before sleeping.

It is normal for those with a head injury to sleep a lot, and they should listen to their bodies and sleep when they want and as much as they can. However, if daytime napping starts to interfere with nighttime sleep, it may be beneficial to limit the duration of naps.

Benefits of sleep after a head injury

Sleep allows the brain to heal and repair itself, which is crucial during recovery. Sleep also helps the brain conserve energy, which is essential during this time. Quality sleep helps with learning and remembering how to perform physical tasks, boosts alertness, and strengthens cognitive functions such as working memory and attention.

When to seek medical advice

If you are experiencing sleep issues that linger after the first few days of healing, you may want to try maintaining a consistent exercise routine, keeping a regular sleep schedule, reducing alcohol intake, and avoiding caffeine. If these measures do not help, you should speak to a healthcare professional.

Previously, medical professionals advised against sleeping after a concussion to prevent a coma

This outdated advice likely stemmed from the concern that when someone with a concussion is asleep, signs of serious brain damage, such as seizures or weakness on one side of the body, may go unnoticed. While this concern is valid, it does not warrant keeping someone awake or constantly waking them up, as there are other ways to monitor for these symptoms without interrupting their sleep.

Nowadays, medical professionals recommend that people with concussions get plenty of rest and sleep, as it is essential for the recovery process. However, it is still important to be vigilant for any signs of a more serious head injury, and a healthcare provider should assess all head injuries.

If someone with a concussion is showing signs of a more severe injury, such as dilated pupils or trouble walking, they should be monitored more closely, but this does not necessarily mean keeping them awake. Instead, a healthcare provider may recommend periodically checking on them to ensure they are breathing regularly and showing no signs of deterioration.

In summary, while it was once believed that sleeping after a concussion should be avoided to prevent a coma, this advice has been superseded by the understanding that sleep is crucial for recovery. The key is to balance the need for rest with vigilant monitoring for any signs of deterioration or more serious injury.

If you can't wake someone from sleep after a head injury, call emergency services

If you are unable to wake someone from sleep after they have sustained a head injury, it is imperative that you call the emergency services immediately. This is a critical situation that requires prompt medical attention.

In the past, it was commonly believed that allowing someone with a head injury to fall asleep could lead them into a coma or even cause their death. While we now know that sleep itself does not cause these outcomes, the concern remains that serious brain damage could go unnoticed during sleep. This includes seizures or weakness on one side of the body, which are indicators of severe injury.

If the person is exhibiting any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek emergency medical treatment:

• Persistent or worsening headache
• Weakness, numbness, or impaired coordination
• Convulsions or seizures
• Loss of consciousness, even if brief
• Agitation, confusion, or unusual behaviour
• Extreme sleepiness or inability to stay awake
• Slurred or incoherent speech
• Neck injury in conjunction with a head injury
• Dizziness, clumsiness, or abnormal movement
• Dilated pupils or trouble walking
• Vomiting multiple times
• Difficulty recognising surroundings or people

In the case of children, additional signs that require immediate medical attention include:

• Crying more than usual
• Refusing to eat or nurse
• Appearing dazed or confused
• Unusual clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Behavioural changes, such as increased irritability or temper tantrums
• Wanting to be held or comforted more than usual

It is important to note that even if the person does not exhibit these symptoms, it is still recommended to seek medical advice to ensure their well-being. Head injuries should not be taken lightly, and proper assessment and care are crucial for optimal recovery.

After a concussion, you may experience sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or daytime fatigue

After a concussion, it is important to get plenty of rest. However, this can be difficult due to sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or daytime fatigue.

In the first few days after a concussion, it is common to feel tired and experience hypersomnia, or the need to take brief naps throughout the day. However, two to three weeks after the injury, some people may find it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia. These insomnia symptoms can last from a few weeks to three years.

There are several reasons why a concussion might affect your sleep. Firstly, the trauma to the brain can stretch and change neurons, disrupting brain chemicals and making it hard for neurons to communicate with each other. Secondly, a concussion can affect the production of melatonin and serotonin, two neurotransmitters involved in sleep. Finally, head trauma can impact the autonomic nervous system, which controls essential processes such as breathing and heart rate.

If you are experiencing sleep disturbances after a concussion, there are several things you can try to improve your sleep:

• Maintain a consistent sleep and wake schedule, even on weekends.
• Engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as taking a warm bath, listening to soothing music, or reading.
• Create a comfortable sleep environment by adjusting the temperature, using eye masks, earplugs, or a sound machine, and avoiding bright lights and screens before bed.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and finish meals at least two to three hours before bedtime.
• Get regular exercise during the day, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime.

Frequently asked questions