Head Trauma: Avoid Sleep, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Sleep after a head injury is a controversial topic. Previously, doctors recommended that people with head injuries be woken up every few hours or even prevented from sleeping at all. This was based on the belief that sleeping with a concussion could lead to a coma or even death. However, this advice has been challenged by recent research, which indicates that sleep is crucial for recovery and that there is no evidence to support the idea that sleeping after a concussion will lead to a coma. In fact, experts now recommend rest as an essential part of recovery, especially during the first three to five days. Nevertheless, it is important to monitor the person for symptoms of a more serious head injury, such as seizures or weakness on one side of the body, and to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.

It is safe to sleep after a head injury, but only after a medical evaluation

It is a common misconception that a person who has sustained a head injury should stay awake to avoid slipping into a coma. In fact, the opposite is true. Sleep is an important part of the healing process following a head injury. However, it is crucial that a person who has hit their head undergoes a medical evaluation before they go to sleep.

Signs of a Serious Head Injury

In the minutes and hours after a head injury, a person who has sustained a concussion may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness
• Memory loss of what happened just before, during, and/or just after the injury
• Lack of awareness of surroundings
• Slurred or slow talking
• Feeling or acting disoriented
• Emotions that don’t match the situation

Other symptoms may develop later in the day or in the following days, including:

• Mood changes
• Trouble thinking
• Light sensitivity
• Noise sensitivity
• Disrupted sleep

In rare cases, a person may experience eye-related troubles, like temporary partial or total blindness and involuntary eye movements.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience a head injury, even if it doesn’t seem serious, it is recommended that you seek a medical opinion. Eighty percent or more of people who have a concussion do not recognize it for what it is. Not all concussions cause a loss of consciousness, and sometimes concussion symptoms don’t show up until later.

When It's Safe to Sleep

If you have sustained a head injury, it is generally safe to go to sleep if you can:

• Carry on a conversation
• Walk without difficulty
• Your pupils aren’t dilated

Getting Better Sleep After a Head Injury

Concussions can cause sleep disturbances, making it difficult to get adequate sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping in the days and weeks following a head injury, try the following:

• Maintain a consistent exercise routine.
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
• Set aside at least eight hours of sleep each night.
• Reduce alcohol intake.
• Avoid naps, or keep them short and early in the day.
• Avoid caffeine, especially late in the day.
• Keep your bedroom dark and quiet.

Sleeping after a head injury can make it harder to notice symptoms of serious head injuries

Sleeping after a head injury

Sleeping after a head injury is generally considered safe and can aid the healing process. However, it is important to first consult a medical professional to rule out the possibility of a more severe head injury, as sleeping can make it harder to notice emerging symptoms.

Recognising a head injury

Head injuries can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a blow or knock to the head. They can lead to brain injuries such as concussions or bleeding on the brain. It can be challenging to assess the severity of a head injury immediately after it occurs, and symptoms may not always be apparent. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical attention, especially if there are signs of severe injury, such as bleeding, clear fluid leaking from the ears or nose, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Why sleep can be difficult after a head injury

Sleep disturbances are common after a head injury, particularly with concussions. In the initial days following a concussion, individuals often experience excessive tiredness and difficulty staying awake. After a couple of weeks, they may encounter challenges falling asleep or wake up prematurely, resulting in daytime fatigue. These insomnia symptoms can persist from a few weeks up to three years.

Precautions when sleeping after a head injury

If an individual with a head injury is permitted to sleep, specific precautions should be taken. It is advisable to have someone stay with them for 24 hours to monitor their condition. Additionally, it is recommended to check their breathing regularly without necessarily waking them up.

Activities to avoid after a head injury

For at least 48 hours following a head injury, it is crucial to refrain from certain activities to facilitate recovery and prevent further complications:

• Sports or any activity that carries a risk of another head injury.
• Screen time, as reducing it has been linked to faster recovery from concussions.
• Driving or operating heavy machinery, as reaction times may be impaired.

Seeking medical attention

After any head injury, particularly with children or individuals with a history of concussions, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Mild symptoms may be managed through urgent care or a regular healthcare provider, while more severe symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room.

Signs of a serious head injury include seizures or weakness on one side of the body

If you or someone you know has hit their head, it is important to be vigilant for signs of a serious head injury. While sleeping after a concussion is usually safe and can aid recovery, it is important to first check for more severe injuries.

Seizures or weakness on one side of the body are signs of a serious head injury. Other symptoms of a severe head injury include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Balance or coordination problems
• Severe disorientation
• Inability to focus the eyes
• Abnormal eye movements
• Loss of muscle control
• Persistent or worsening headache
• Clear fluid leaking from the ear or nose
• Dilated pupils of different sizes
• Repeated nausea and vomiting
• Memory loss
• Difficulty walking
• Behaviour changes, including irritability
• Blood or clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
• Bruising behind the ears
• Deep cuts or lacerations in the scalp
• Open wounds in the head
• Foreign objects penetrating the head
• Coma
• Vegetative state
• Locked-in syndrome

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms after a head injury, seek immediate medical attention.

It is important to note that not all head injuries are easily identifiable, and some major injuries may not bleed at all. Therefore, it is crucial to treat all head injuries seriously and have them assessed by a medical professional.

Sleep is an important part of the healing process after a head injury

Sleep is a pivotal biological function that helps you consolidate memories, repair cells, and coordinate immune functioning. It is an important part of the healing process after a head injury, but it can also be difficult to get the rest you need. Head injuries can cause several kinds of neurological issues, including sleep disruption.

After a head injury, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out a more serious condition. Once you have been cleared by a medical professional, getting enough sleep is crucial for your recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sleeping at night and taking daytime naps as needed to aid the healing process.

• Maintain a consistent exercise routine.
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
• Ensure you get enough sleep by setting aside at least eight hours of sleep each night.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Limit naps or keep them short and early in the day so they don't interfere with nighttime sleep.
• Avoid caffeine, especially later in the day.
• Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom dark and avoiding light from electronics.

If you continue to have difficulty sleeping or experience sleep issues that linger beyond the first few days of healing, consider seeking help from a neurologist or sleep specialist. They can provide guidance and treatments to improve your sleep quality and support your recovery.

Children with head injuries should be checked by a doctor within two days

It is important to remain vigilant when it comes to head injuries, especially in children. While many head injuries are minor and do not require emergency treatment, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice. Children with head injuries should be checked by a doctor within two days, and here's why:

Firstly, the severity of a head injury can be difficult to assess, especially in children who may struggle to communicate their symptoms effectively. Common symptoms of a concussion, a type of mild traumatic brain injury, include nausea, dizziness, low energy, sensitivity to light or noise, confusion, and irritability. These symptoms can vary and impact a child's physical, cognitive, and emotional state. In some cases, symptoms may not appear immediately but can develop later, even a couple of days after the injury. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor a child's condition closely and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise or worsen.

Secondly, the long-term impact of head injuries on a child's developing brain is a serious concern. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can disrupt a child's development, causing changes in their health, thinking, and behavior. They can also affect learning, self-regulation, and social and sports participation. It is essential for parents and caregivers to work with healthcare professionals to monitor and treat TBIs to minimize potential long-term consequences.

Additionally, certain types of head injuries and associated symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. If a child loses consciousness, even momentarily, or experiences confusion, disorientation, persistent vomiting, or unusual behavior after a head injury, they should be taken to the emergency department right away. Other red flags include difficulty balancing, memory issues related to the injury, slurred speech, problems with reading or writing, numbness, dizziness, persistent headaches, and changes in eyesight or hearing.

While sleeping after a concussion is generally considered safe and beneficial for recovery, it is important to first consult a healthcare provider. They can assess the severity of the injury and rule out more serious conditions. Once cleared by a medical professional, sleep can aid in the healing process, and children should be allowed to rest their bodies and minds for 24 to 48 hours.

In summary, children with head injuries should be checked by a doctor within two days to ensure proper diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. This proactive approach can help prevent potential long-term effects on the child's health and development and provide parents and caregivers with peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions