Herbie Murray
Sleep is considered safe after a concussion and is recommended to aid the healing process. However, it is more difficult to assess a person's symptoms when they are asleep, and there is a risk that signs of a worsening brain injury could be missed. To mitigate this risk, a doctor or healthcare provider may advise that the patient is woken up every few hours for a brief evaluation, or that a family member or friend stays in the room to monitor the patient while they sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Sleeping after a concussion is generally considered safe, but it is advised to get an evaluation from a doctor first. |
| Sleep Environment | The bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet. Electronics and other distractions should be avoided. |
| Sleep Hygiene | A regular sleep schedule is recommended. Napping should be avoided, especially in the afternoon. |
| Sleep Disturbances | Concussions often cause sleep problems, including insomnia and frequent waking during the night. |
| Sleep as Treatment | Rest is crucial for recovery. Sleep allows the brain to heal and can reduce symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. |
| Monitoring | It is recommended to have someone check on the person sleeping with a concussion every few hours to ensure they are breathing evenly and showing no severe symptoms. |
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What You'll Learn
It is generally safe to sleep after a concussion
Sleep is generally safe after a concussion and is, in fact, a crucial part of the recovery process. Concussions are head injuries caused by a blow to the head or neck, often occurring during sports. Most people experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Rest is essential for the brain to heal, and a concussion can make you feel more tired than usual.
It was previously believed that a person with a concussion should not sleep as they might slip into a coma or lose consciousness. However, research has shown that this is not the case, and there is no need to make a patient with a concussion stay awake. If the injured person can hold a conversation, walk without problems, and does not have severe symptoms, they can sleep.
That being said, it is important to monitor the person for any red flag symptoms. A family member or friend should stay in the room or check on the person every few hours to ensure they are sleeping peacefully and breathing evenly. They can also conduct simple tests by asking questions, watching for unusual behavior, and checking the person's pupils to ensure they are equal in size and responsive to light.
To promote restful sleep, it is recommended to keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and to avoid using electronics or bright lights before bedtime. It is also important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and incorporate relaxing activities into the bedtime routine.
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Rest is crucial for recovery
Research has shown that it is generally safe to let someone with a concussion sleep. In the past, it was believed that a person with a concussion should not sleep as they might slip into a coma or lose consciousness. However, this advice has since been disproven, and it is now known that there is no need to keep a concussed person awake.
Following a concussion, it is important to get plenty of rest and sleep. The body's natural response to a concussion is to feel extremely tired, encouraging the person to rest their brain. However, 30% to 80% of people who experience a concussion develop some form of sleep problems, such as insomnia. These sleep issues can last for a few weeks after the injury and may even persist for more than a year, especially if adequate rest is not prioritized. To promote restful sleep, it is recommended to keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, avoiding the use of electronics or bright lights before bedtime. Regular exercise, such as walking, can also help with sleep, as long as it is approved by a healthcare provider and does not increase the risk of another head injury.
In the case of children with a concussion, it is advised to wake them up a few times during the night to ensure they can be aroused. For adults, it is recommended to have someone stay in the room or check on them every few hours to ensure peaceful sleep and even breathing. If there are any concerning symptoms, such as dilated pupils or issues with walking, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
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Symptoms vary from person to person
Concussion symptoms can vary from person to person and can take minutes, hours, or even days to develop. This delay can make it difficult to recognise the seriousness of the injury. Most people experience headaches and dizziness, but other symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and mild fever are also common. Children may experience different symptoms, and toddlers may not be able to describe what they're feeling. Watch for signs such as vomiting or difficulty speaking or walking.
If you have a more serious concussion, your healthcare provider may recommend having someone wake you up periodically to check your pupils and ask you simple questions. However, this generally only needs to be done a few times and not every hour, as it can disrupt sleep. In most cases, it is safe to sleep after a concussion, and rest is crucial for recovery.
Concussions often cause sleep problems, with 30% to 80% of people developing some kind of sleep disturbance. You may struggle to fall asleep or wake frequently during the night (insomnia). Sleep problems can begin immediately or not until days or weeks after the injury, and they may last for more than a year, especially if you don't give yourself time to heal. Addressing sleep problems during recovery is important because sleep is a crucial part of the healing process.
To promote restful sleep, keep your room dark, quiet, and fairly cool. Avoid using electronics or bright lights at least an hour before bedtime, and incorporate relaxing activities into your bedtime routine. Stay on a regular sleep schedule, and if you need to nap during the day, try to avoid afternoon naps, as they can interfere with nighttime sleep.
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Sleep disturbances may occur
Sleep disturbances can vary from person to person and do not always indicate the severity or type of concussion. However, it is important to address sleep problems during concussion recovery as sleep is a crucial part of the healing process. Rest is essential for your brain to heal, and a concussion can cause sleep issues such as insomnia. You may struggle to fall asleep, wake frequently during sleep, or sleep for shorter periods than usual.
Sleep disturbances can also take the form of increased tiredness and the need for brief naps throughout the day. These issues generally improve as your injury heals, although this can take a few weeks. If you are still experiencing sleep issues a few weeks after a concussion, talk to your healthcare provider.
To improve sleep quality, it is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, and avoid the use of electronics or bright lights at least an hour before bedtime. Relaxing activities, such as taking a bath or listening to music, can also promote better sleep.
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Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen
Rest is crucial for recovery from a concussion. However, if symptoms worsen, it is important to seek medical advice. If you or your child have mild symptoms, see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours for a proper evaluation and care. If your child is vomiting, having difficulty speaking or walking, or their symptoms worsen after the initial injury, go to the emergency department for evaluation.
For children, it is advised to wake them up a few times during the night to ensure they can be aroused. An adult family member or friend should stay in the room or check on the person every few hours to ensure peaceful sleep and even breathing. If there are any signs of distress, such as dilated pupils or difficulty answering simple questions, seek medical attention.
If you have a more serious concussion, your healthcare provider may recommend having someone wake you up periodically. This is to monitor for any worsening of symptoms. If you are experiencing severe headaches or other red flag symptoms, go to the emergency room.
Additionally, if you are still experiencing sleep issues a few weeks after a concussion, talk to your healthcare provider. Sleep disturbances can differ from person to person and do not always indicate the severity of the concussion. However, addressing sleep problems during recovery is important, as sleep is crucial for healing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is generally safe to sleep after a concussion. Rest is a crucial part of recovery. However, it is advised to get an evaluation from a healthcare professional before sleeping.
The symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
There are several things you can do to improve your sleep after a concussion. These include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, and incorporating relaxing activities into your bedtime routine.
It is recommended to see a doctor or go to an emergency room within 24 to 48 hours of experiencing a concussion, especially if you are experiencing any severe symptoms.
