Colin Snow
If your child has suffered a concussion, you may be worried about whether or not to let them sleep. It was previously believed that a person with a concussion should not sleep, but experts now agree that this is a myth and that sleep is critical to recovery. While it is important to monitor your child for abnormal symptoms in the first 24 hours after diagnosis, waking them throughout the night could be detrimental to their recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you wake a child after a concussion? | It is not necessary to wake a child after a concussion. In fact, waking a concussed child throughout the night could be detrimental to their recovery. |
| When to wake a concussed child | If you notice abnormal symptoms such as complete disorientation or significant changes in speech, wake the child. |
| How to check on a sleeping concussed child | You can check on a concussed child to ensure their breathing is normal without waking them. |
| Sleep and recovery | Sleep is critical to recovery from a concussion. |
| Sleep disorders after a concussion | Sleep disorders such as insomnia, parasomnias, and sleep apnea can occur after a concussion. |
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What You'll Learn
Rest is critical for recovery
While it was previously believed that a person with a concussion should not sleep, this has been proven to be a myth. Keeping a person with a concussion awake is unnecessary and can be detrimental to their recovery. Waking a child with a concussion throughout the night will likely only result in increased tiredness and fatigue. If a child with a concussion wants to sleep, it is best to let them. However, it is important to monitor them for abnormal symptoms in the first 24 hours after diagnosis, such as complete disorientation or significant changes in speech.
It is normal for a child to experience changes in their sleep after a concussion, with many sleeping more and others having trouble sleeping. About 30-70% of children with concussions develop a sleep disorder, with insomnia being the most common. This could be due to stress or anxiety over the brain injury, or chemical and structural changes in the brain that affect melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
If you are worried about your child falling asleep after a head injury, it is best to have them evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. A pediatrician or ER physician can determine if everything is okay and give advice on next steps.
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When to seek medical attention
It is imperative to seek medical attention if your child has suffered a concussion. Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head, neck, or body, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and confusion. While concussions are often called "mild" injuries, they should not be taken lightly as they are injuries to the brain.
If you suspect your child has a concussion, it is crucial to have them evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. A concussion can be diagnosed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, who will assess the child's memory, brain function, and physical balance. In some cases, a CT or MRI scan of the brain may be recommended. Seeking early treatment is essential, even if the injury seems minor and the child did not lose consciousness.
During the first 24 hours after diagnosis, it is important to monitor your child for abnormal symptoms, such as complete disorientation or significant changes in speech. If severe symptoms develop, it may be necessary to seek emergency medical care. Additionally, if your child experiences seizures or cannot be woken up, go to the ER or call for emergency assistance immediately.
Repeated concussions can have serious, long-lasting effects on the brain, and it is crucial to prevent another concussion from occurring before the brain has fully healed. Ensure your child does not return to sports or other physical activities without clearance from a healthcare provider. Any additional blows to the head before complete healing can cause further damage. Therefore, it is vital to be vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if your child exhibits any signs or symptoms indicative of a concussion.
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Sleep disorders after a concussion
Sleep is critical to a child's recovery after a concussion. While it is a common myth that you should wake a child up every hour after a concussion, doing so could hinder their recovery. Instead, it is advised to let the child sleep as much as possible, as sleep encourages the healing of the brain. However, it is important to monitor the child for any abnormal symptoms in the first 24 hours after diagnosis, such as complete disorientation or significant changes in speech. If severe symptoms are observed, immediate medical attention is required.
Post-concussion sleep disorders are prevalent and persistent, with many patients experiencing sleep problems such as insomnia, hypersomnia, and circadian rhythm shifts. Insomnia, characterised by difficulties in falling and staying asleep, is commonly reported by patients with mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This can be exacerbated by other symptoms such as mood swings and headaches. Hypersomnia, on the other hand, involves excessive sleepiness and drowsiness after a head injury. Circadian rhythm shifts can also occur, leading to disruptions in the individual's sleep-wake cycle.
The prevalence of sleep disturbances after a concussion varies, with estimates ranging from 30% to 70% of patients experiencing sleep difficulties in the first few weeks post-injury. Among those with TBI, hypersomnia is likely to affect around 25% of patients within the initial days after the injury. Insomnia symptoms are reported in approximately 30% of cases, while circadian rhythm shifts are observed in about 36% of individuals in the post-acute phase. Additionally, a significant proportion of patients, ranging from 43% to 73%, report symptoms of fatigue.
To manage sleep disorders after a concussion, it is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, including consistent times for meals, medications, chores, and other activities. Avoiding caffeine, especially after lunchtime, can also help improve sleep quality. Creating a sleep-conducive environment by keeping the bedroom quiet, dark, and cool can be beneficial. It is advisable to remove all electronics from the bedroom, as they may interfere with sleep. If falling asleep is challenging, engaging in relaxing activities such as reading a book or listening to soft music can help prepare the body and mind for sleep.
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Monitoring abnormal symptoms
It is imperative to monitor a child for abnormal symptoms in the first 24 hours after they have been diagnosed with a concussion. While it is a myth that a child with a concussion should be woken up every hour, it is advisable to wake them up a couple of times during the night to make sure they can be aroused. Monitoring can be done without waking the child, by checking their breathing pattern and ensuring they are resting peacefully. If they are not breathing normally, wake them immediately and seek medical attention.
Some abnormal symptoms to watch out for include complete disorientation, significant changes in speech, dilated pupils, or issues with walking. About 30-70% of children with concussions develop a sleep disorder like insomnia, and parasomnias such as sleepwalking, sleep talking, sleep terrors, REM behavior disorder, and confusional arousal. In the latter, children appear to wake up but are disoriented, unresponsive, or confused. Other parasomnias include sleep apnea, which causes temporary breathing cessation during sleep, and can be identified by symptoms such as loud snoring, restless sleep, irritability, hyperactivity, and bedwetting.
If you suspect your child has a concussion, it is important to get them evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. A specialist can determine the extent of the injury and give advice on sleep and recovery. Once your child has been diagnosed with a concussion, rest is encouraged as it promotes brain healing. However, if you notice any abnormal symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
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Safe sleeping practices
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Before allowing your child to sleep, it is essential to have them evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. A pediatrician or an ER physician can assess the severity of the concussion and provide guidance on safe sleeping practices.
- Monitor for Abnormal Symptoms: In the first 24 hours after diagnosis, keep a close eye on your child for any abnormal symptoms. These may include complete disorientation, significant changes in speech, dilated pupils, or issues with walking. If you notice any severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
- Manage Symptoms: Once the initial assessment is done, the focus shifts to symptom management. This is where adequate rest comes into play. Allow your child to sleep, as it facilitates the healing of the brain. However, it is advisable to wake them up a couple of times during the night to ensure they can be easily aroused.
- Be Mindful of Sleep Disorders: Concussions can sometimes lead to sleep disorders such as insomnia, parasomnias (sleepwalking, sleep talking, sleep terrors), REM behavior disorder, and confusional arousal. If you notice any unusual sleep behaviors or persistent sleep disturbances, consult a specialist.
- Ensure Peaceful Rest: While your child sleeps, you can check on them periodically to ensure they are resting peacefully and breathing normally. You can do this without waking them up. However, if you notice any abnormal breathing, wake them immediately and seek medical attention.
Remember, safe sleeping practices are an integral part of your child's recovery from a concussion. Always follow the advice of medical professionals and specialists, and don't hesitate to seek further guidance if you have any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not necessary to wake your child if they want to sleep after a concussion. In fact, waking your child throughout the night could be detrimental to their recovery. It is, however, a good idea to check on your child from time to time to make sure their breathing pattern is normal and that they are peacefully resting.
Sleep disorders are quite common after a concussion. About 30-70% of children with concussions develop a sleep disorder like insomnia. Other sleep disorders include parasomnias such as sleepwalking, sleep talking, sleep terrors, REM behavior disorder, and confusional arousal.
If you suspect your child has a concussion, you should get them evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Once your child has been diagnosed, it is important to let them sleep as rest encourages healing.
