Herbie Murray
Sleep is an important part of recovering from a concussion. However, many people experience sleep issues after a head injury, ranging from insomnia to hypersomnia. While it is generally safe to sleep after a concussion, some people worry about taking sleeping pills due to the risk of brain bleeding if they have a severe concussion. This has led to concerns about the safety of taking sleeping pills with a concussion, with some common sleep aids even reported to worsen recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sleep medication | Melatonin |
| Sleep issues after a concussion | Insomnia, hypersomnia, sleep apnea |
| Sleep recommendations | Keep a regular sleep schedule, get at least the recommended amount of sleep, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon |
| Over-the-counter pain medications to avoid | Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, NSAIDs |
| Safe over-the-counter pain medication | Acetaminophen (Tylenol) |
| Sleep recommendations for caregivers | It's okay to check on the person every few hours to ensure they're breathing normally and not tossing and turning restlessly |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep is an important part of concussion recovery
Sleep is an extremely important part of recovering from a concussion. It is a common myth that someone with a concussion should be prevented from falling or staying asleep. It is also a myth that they need to be woken up every few hours or at a set interval to ensure they are okay. In fact, experts now recognize rest as an essential part of recovering from a mild head injury, especially during the first three to five days.
However, sleep issues are common after a concussion. Sleep dysfunction, ranging from insomnia to hypersomnia, can occur after a traumatic brain injury. In some cases, this may be due to a transient impairment of the brain's neural networks. Sleep issues can also be caused by pre-existing insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea.
If you are experiencing sleep issues after a concussion, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. They may recommend sleep behavior techniques or certain medications. It is recommended that you avoid common sleep aids that can worsen recovery due to their effects on brain plasticity and cognition, such as benzodiazepines and drugs with anti-cholinergic effects. Melatonin may be recommended, but it will not help if the sleep sequence is broken after it plays its role.
To improve your sleep, you should keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and getting up around the same time each day. Make sure you are getting at least the recommended amount of sleep, and avoid naps if possible, especially in the afternoon. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and fairly cool. Avoid using electronics or bright lights for at least an hour before going to sleep.
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Melatonin can help with sleep after a concussion
Sleep is an extremely important part of recovering from a concussion. However, many patients experience post-concussion sleep problems, such as hypersomnia and insomnia. If you are experiencing sleep issues a few weeks after a concussion, it is recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider.
Several studies have been conducted to determine the efficacy of melatonin supplementation for sleep disturbances in patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). One randomized controlled trial found that melatonin supplementation significantly improved sleep quality in patients with mild to severe TBIs. Another study associated with the PLAYGAME trial enrolled 99 participants aged 8-18 years old with mild TBIs and post-concussive symptoms into either a treatment group consisting of 3 mg or 10 mg of melatonin or a control group. This study found a statistically significant improvement in sleep latency and total sleep time.
It is important to note that the evidence for melatonin's effects in TBI populations is mixed, and the lack of standardization and rigor in melatonin research has led to ambiguous treatment recommendations. It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or medications, especially when recovering from a concussion.
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Post-concussion insomnia is common
Sleep is an extremely important part of recovering from a concussion. However, post-concussion insomnia is common, with many patients reporting difficulty falling or staying asleep. This can be caused by a transient impairment of the brain's neural networks. In some cases, post-concussion insomnia can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI).
If you are experiencing post-concussion insomnia, it is important to talk to your doctor about possible treatments. Sleep behaviour techniques and certain medications may be recommended. It is important to avoid common sleep aids that can worsen recovery due to their effects on brain plasticity and cognition, such as benzodiazepines and drugs with anti-cholinergic effects. Melatonin may be recommended, as it can help if your brain is not producing enough of the hormone at the right time. However, it will not help if the sleep sequence is broken after melatonin plays its role.
To improve your sleep patterns, it is important to practice self-awareness and identify what is making it difficult for you to sleep. Are you experiencing concussion symptoms that are keeping you from calming down? Are you taking any medications that may be affecting your sleep? It is also important to keep a regular sleep schedule, maintain a dark and quiet bedroom environment, and avoid naps, especially in the afternoon.
If you are caring for someone with a concussion, it is okay to check on them every few hours to ensure they are breathing normally and not tossing and turning restlessly. However, you do not need to forcibly wake them up unless they have a severe injury and have not yet received medical attention. In the first 24 hours after a concussion, it is important to avoid medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Instead, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for pain relief.
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Avoid certain sleep aids that worsen recovery
Sleep is an extremely important part of recovering from a concussion. However, sleep issues are common after a concussion, with patients experiencing insomnia, hypersomnia, or sleep apnea. While it is a myth that someone with a concussion should be forcibly woken up every few hours, it is important to seek medical advice if you have a severe injury or have not yet received medical attention.
If you are experiencing sleep issues, it is important to discuss this with your doctor for further recommendations. Sleep behaviour techniques may be helpful, and your doctor may prescribe certain medications. However, it is important to avoid some common sleep aids that can worsen recovery due to their effects on brain plasticity and cognition. For example, it is recommended to avoid benzodiazepines and any drugs with anti-cholinergic effects that can contribute to cognitive symptoms.
If you are experiencing headaches, you should also be cautious with medication. Many over-the-counter pain medications can thin your blood, which can be dangerous if you have a brain bleed. Medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen could increase your risk of brain bleeding if you have a more severe concussion. In these cases, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be a safer option, but you should always consult your healthcare provider first.
In addition to sleep aids, there are other ways to improve your sleep during concussion recovery. It is important to keep a regular sleep schedule by maintaining a sleep routine and getting at least the recommended amount of sleep. You should also ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and fairly cool to promote restful sleep. Relax before bed with quiet activities, such as taking a bath or listening to relaxing music. Avoid using electronics or bright lights for at least an hour before going to sleep, and avoid naps, especially in the afternoon.
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Consult a doctor for further recommendations
Sleep is an important part of recovering from a concussion. However, it is common to experience sleep issues after a concussion, ranging from insomnia to hypersomnia. If you are experiencing sleep issues after a concussion, it is important to consult a doctor for further recommendations.
A doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for your specific situation. They may recommend sleep behaviour techniques, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding naps, and creating a relaxing environment before bed. They may also suggest natural remedies, rituals, and other good habits to improve your sleep. For example, melatonin may be recommended, as it can help if your brain is not producing enough melatonin at the right time. However, it may not be effective if the sleep sequence is broken after melatonin plays its role.
Additionally, a doctor will be able to advise you on any medications you are currently taking and whether they are safe to continue during your recovery. They may recommend avoiding certain over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, as these can increase the risk of brain bleeding if you have a more severe concussion. Instead, they may suggest acetaminophen as a safer alternative for pain relief during the first 24 hours after the concussion.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia or other forms of treatment, such as acupuncture or osteopathic manipulation. They will also be able to advise you on any necessary lifestyle changes, such as taking time off work or school, avoiding screens, and limiting physical activity during the recovery phase.
It is important to remember that recovery from a concussion is a complex and dynamic process, and proper management is crucial to prevent unnecessarily prolonged recovery. Seeking medical advice and following a doctor's recommendations are essential for optimizing your recovery and addressing any sleep issues you may be experiencing.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not advisable to take sleeping pills with a concussion. Sleep dysfunction is common after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can manifest as insomnia or hypersomnia. Sleep issues generally improve as your injury heals, but this can take a few weeks. If you are experiencing sleep issues, talk to your healthcare provider, who can recommend sleep behavior techniques or certain medications. Melatonin is one pill that is recommended as it can help if your brain is not producing enough melatonin at the right time. However, it will not help if the sleep sequence is broken after melatonin plays its role.
Almost everyone experiences a headache after a concussion. Other symptoms include feeling dazed, stunned, or like you're in a fog. You may also feel like concentrating and thinking takes more effort than usual.
Most concussions last a few weeks, but some people need a month or longer to recover.
During the first 24 hours after a concussion, you should avoid activities that require a lot of concentration, such as using your phone, watching TV, or playing video games. You should also avoid physical activity and exercise, and limit your exposure to bright lights, loud sounds, and movement, as these can worsen your symptoms.
Keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and try to relax before bed with quiet activities such as taking a bath or listening to relaxing music.
