Head Injuries: Why You Should Stay Awake After A Trauma

Sleep after a head injury has long been a debated topic. Previously, medical experts advised people to stay awake following a concussion due to the belief that sleeping could cause a person to fall into a coma or even die. However, this advice has since been debunked by experts, who now agree that it is safe for individuals with a concussion to sleep, as it is an essential part of the recovery process. While sleeping after a head injury is generally safe, it is important to monitor the person for any deteriorating symptoms, such as seizures or weakness on one side of the body, and seek medical attention if necessary.

Characteristics and Values Table for Sleeping After a Head Injury

It is safe to sleep after a head injury as long as you can hold a conversation and don't have obvious symptoms

Sleep is an important part of healing, and getting rest after a head injury is recommended. However, it was previously believed that people with concussions should stay awake to prevent slipping into a coma. We now know that this is not true, and that sleep after a concussion will not lead to a coma or death.

For children with a head injury, it is recommended to wake them up a few times during the night to ensure they are able to be aroused. Additionally, children should be evaluated by a medical professional within two days of any head injury, even if it seems mild.

While sleep is important for recovery, it is common to experience sleep issues after a concussion. These issues can include trouble falling or staying asleep, and feeling tired during the day. To improve sleep after a head injury, it is recommended to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, avoid naps or keep them short, reduce screen time and alcohol intake, and keep the bedroom dark and quiet.

Sleep helps the brain heal after a concussion

Sleep is an essential part of recovery from a mild head injury, especially during the first three to five days. It is a myth that sleeping after a concussion can lead to a coma or death. In fact, sleep helps the brain heal after a concussion.

A concussion is a head injury that sometimes involves a loss of consciousness but is not associated with internal bleeding. Unless a doctor says the person needs further treatment, the injured person should sleep and rest. Most concussed people recover quickly and can be treated at home, while others have symptoms that last for days or weeks and need medical attention.

After a concussion, it is common to feel tired or have trouble staying awake. Sleep issues related to a concussion include trouble falling and staying asleep, and feeling tired during the day. These issues usually improve as the injury heals, but they can last for several weeks.

To improve sleep after a concussion, it is recommended to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, get at least eight hours of sleep, relax before bed, ensure the bedroom is dark and quiet, and avoid electronics, bright lights, caffeine, and alcohol.

While it is safe for a concussed person to sleep if they can hold a conversation and do not have obvious concussion symptoms, it is important to monitor them to ensure their breathing is normal. If they are not breathing normally, wake them immediately and seek medical attention.

After a head injury, you may experience insomnia or hypersomnia

Sleep is essential for recovery after a head injury, but unfortunately, brain injuries often lead to insomnia. Insomnia can be caused by physical and chemical problems, breathing problems, and psychological issues.

Physical and Chemical Problems

Injury to the areas of the brain that produce signals to control sleep patterns can cause insomnia. Circadian rhythms, which are controlled by the brain, send signals to the body to let it know when to sleep and when to wake up. Damage to these areas can cause disturbances in the body's internal clock, making it difficult to fall asleep at night.

In addition, a brain injury may result in the brain not producing enough of the neurotransmitters that regulate sleep. This will make it difficult to sleep during normal hours.

Breathing Problems

Head injuries can affect the brain's ability to control breathing during sleep. For example, since brain injury affects muscle control, it can weaken the tongue and throat muscles, leading to a condition known as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing long enough for their oxygen levels to drop, making it difficult to sleep through the night. Sleep apnea can also cause anxiety and depression, further impacting sleep.

Psychological Problems

Psychological issues such as anxiety and depression can also cause insomnia. Depression is common after a brain injury, and the risk is 2 to 5 times higher in patients with a brain injury compared to the general population.

Treatment

There are many options to help improve sleep after a head injury, including lifestyle changes, natural sleep remedies, and medication. Lifestyle changes include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time, avoiding naps, and creating a relaxing sleep environment. Natural sleep remedies such as herbal tea and melatonin supplements can also be helpful. If these measures are not effective, prescription medications may be an option, although these can sometimes cause daytime drowsiness and cognitive problems.

Hypersomnia

While insomnia is a common issue after a head injury, some people may experience hypersomnia, or excess sleeping and fatigue. This can be caused by damage to areas of the brain that control wakefulness, resulting in post-traumatic hypersomnia. Hypocretin-1 (orexin A) is an excitatory neuropeptide associated with the sleep-wake cycle and is known to be reduced in patients with narcolepsy. Trauma-induced reductions in hypocretin-1 levels could be a potential cause of post-traumatic hypersomnia.

If you have a head injury, avoid over-the-counter sleep aids that contain antihistamines

Sleep is one of the best things you can do to promote a successful recovery from a head injury. However, brain injuries often lead to insomnia, which prevents patients from getting the rest they need.

If you are experiencing insomnia after a head injury, it is best to avoid over-the-counter sleep aids that contain antihistamines. These are not recommended for people with head injuries because they can interfere with memory and learning. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine can also cause disturbances in memory and new learning. Retention of urine, dry mouth, nighttime falls, and constipation are also possible side effects of this class of medications.

Instead, you can try the following:

• Set a sleep schedule: Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day.
• Limit screen use: Avoid excessive screen time, especially before bedtime.
• Limit napping: Keep daytime naps under 20 minutes.
• Avoid stimulants: Refrain from consuming caffeine, alcohol, and sugar for five hours before bed.
• Establish a bedtime routine: Avoid eating, watching TV, or working in bed. Opt for relaxing activities instead, such as reading or listening to music.
• Create a restful environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.

If these lifestyle changes are insufficient, you can explore non-pharmacological treatments such as herbal tea (e.g., chamomile), melatonin supplements, and relaxation therapy. If sleep difficulties persist, consult your doctor to discuss safe and effective solutions, including prescription medications if necessary.

If you have a head injury, you should get plenty of rest and maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Sleep is an essential part of recovering from a head injury. However, it is important to know the red flags of a more serious head injury, such as repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, visual problems, or trouble balancing. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

If you have suffered a head injury, it is a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. They will be able to advise you on the severity of your injury and any precautions you should take. In general, it is safe to sleep after a head injury as long as you can hold a conversation and don't have obvious symptoms such as dilated pupils or trouble walking.

To promote healing, it is important to get plenty of rest and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Here are some tips to help you get better sleep after a head injury:

• Maintain a consistent sleep and wake schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
• Set aside at least eight hours of sleep each night.
• Avoid caffeine, especially later in the day.
• Keep your bedroom dark and avoid light from electronics.
• Avoid naps, especially in the afternoon, or keep them short and early in the day.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Maintain a consistent exercise routine.

If you are experiencing sleep issues that linger after the first few days of healing, talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and recommendations to help you improve your sleep.

Frequently asked questions