Colin Snow
Sleep and rest are crucial components for healing after a concussion. While it was previously believed that sleeping with a concussion could lead to a coma or death, this has been proven to be a myth. In fact, not getting enough rest after a concussion can hinder the healing process. However, it's important to monitor the person with the concussion for any worsening symptoms, and they should seek medical attention if their symptoms persist or worsen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | It is generally safe to sleep with a minor concussion. |
| Rest | Rest is crucial for recovery. |
| Monitoring | A monitor is recommended to check on the person with the concussion every few hours. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and sleep issues. |
| Children | Children should be woken up a few times during the night to ensure they can be aroused. |
| Vomiting | If the person is vomiting or has difficulty speaking or walking, go to the emergency department. |
| Second Concussion | Suffering a second concussion soon after the first is extremely dangerous. |
| Strenuous Activities | Avoid strenuous activities and anything that could worsen symptoms. |
| Sleep Hygiene | Keep the room dark, quiet, and cool. Avoid electronics and bright lights for at least an hour before sleep. |
| Sleep Issues | Sleep issues may persist for a few weeks after the concussion. |
| Recovery | Most concussions last a few weeks, but some may take a month or longer to recover. |
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What You'll Learn
It is safe to sleep with a minor concussion
It is generally considered safe for adults to sleep with a minor concussion, and sleep is often recommended as a way to help the brain heal after an injury. However, it is always best to seek medical advice if you are concerned about your condition or the condition of someone else.
Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can occur from a blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. In the first few days after a concussion, it is common to feel extremely tired as the body's way of ensuring the brain gets rest. However, 40% to 65% of people develop sleep problems after a concussion, struggling to fall asleep or waking frequently.
Historically, healthcare providers advised against sleeping after a concussion, fearing that the brain injury could worsen during sleep, leading to severe complications or even death. However, medical experts now agree that there is no evidence to support these concerns, and rest is crucial for recovery. Sleeping for a full eight hours is more beneficial than constantly waking someone up to check on them.
To promote restful sleep during concussion recovery, it is recommended to establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing sleep environment, practice relaxation techniques, and avoid caffeine and alcohol. It is also important to listen to your body and get plenty of rest in the days and weeks following the injury.
While it is generally safe for adults to sleep with a minor concussion, there are some potential risks to be aware of. One concern is the risk of developing a more severe condition, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can occur from a blow to the head or sudden jolt. To minimize this risk, seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe cognitive impairment. Additionally, sleeping on your back after a concussion may increase the risk of developing post-concussion syndrome (PCS), so healthcare providers often recommend sleeping on your side or stomach.
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Rest is crucial for recovery
After sustaining a concussion, it is important to rest and allow the brain to heal. Reducing stimulation and avoiding strenuous activities are essential to giving the brain time to recover. Most people with a concussion will feel extremely tired in the first few days as their body naturally encourages rest. While it is safe to sleep, concussions often cause sleep problems, such as insomnia or frequent waking during sleep. To promote restful sleep, it is recommended to keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, and to avoid using electronics or bright lights at least an hour before bedtime.
It is generally safe to let someone with a concussion sleep, but monitoring is important. For adults, it is advised to have an evaluation within 24 to 48 hours of the injury. For children, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention and to wake them up a few times during the night to ensure they can be aroused. A healthcare provider may also suggest waking up periodically to check for worsening symptoms.
While rest is crucial, it is important to gradually resume activities. Any activity that raises the heart rate should be avoided until approved by a healthcare provider. This includes moderate to intense exercise, such as running or cycling. Driving should also be avoided for at least a full day after a concussion, and possibly longer if symptoms persist. It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too soon, as it can take weeks or even months to fully recover from a concussion.
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Monitor the person while they sleep
Rest is crucial for recovery from a concussion, and sleep is an important part of this. However, it is a common misconception that someone with a concussion should be woken up every few hours or at a set interval to check that they are okay. This advice was based on the outdated belief that falling asleep with a concussion could lead to a coma and even death.
Today, medical experts agree that it is safe to sleep after a concussion if certain requirements are met. If the injured person can hold a conversation, walk without problems, has equal-sized pupils, and is not developing any other severe symptoms, they can sleep without being awakened. However, it is important to monitor the person while they sleep. Here are some instructions for monitoring a person with a concussion while they sleep:
- It is recommended that someone (a parent, partner, family member, or friend) stays in the room or checks on the sleeping person every few hours.
- The person monitoring should check that the injured person is sleeping peacefully and breathing evenly.
- If the person monitoring notices that the injured person is not breathing normally, they should wake them immediately and seek medical attention.
- The person monitoring should also wake the injured person if they are tossing and turning restlessly.
- If the injured person is a child, it is advised to wake them up a couple of times during the night to make sure they can be aroused.
- If the injured person is an adult with mild symptoms, they should see a doctor for an evaluation within 24-48 hours.
- If the injured person's symptoms worsen or persist, they may need to reduce their activities and get extra rest.
- If the injured person is still experiencing sleep issues a few weeks after the concussion, they should talk to a healthcare provider.
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Avoid strenuous activities
It is extremely dangerous to suffer a second concussion soon after the first one. Therefore, it is important to avoid strenuous activities and anything that could worsen the symptoms, such as:
- Physical activities that raise your heart rate, like running or cycling, until approved by a healthcare provider.
- Challenging chores such as paying bills.
- Strenuous cognitive activities, such as exams at school or multiple meetings at work.
- Exercise that requires bearing down, such as sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and weightlifting, unless directed by a doctor.
- Driving for at least a full day after a concussion.
However, rest doesn't mean sitting in a dark room all day. Patients can still engage in simple activities, as long as they are not physically or cognitively demanding. For example, going for a short walk is usually fine, as long as it doesn't make the symptoms worse.
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Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen
Rest is crucial for recovery from a concussion, and sleep is an important part of this. However, if symptoms worsen, it is important to seek medical attention.
If you or your child have a concussion and develop worsening symptoms, such as dilated pupils, issues with walking, or vomiting, go to the emergency department to be evaluated. For children, it is recommended to wake them up a few times during the night to ensure they can be aroused. If there are any concerns, stop any physical activity and seek medical advice.
If symptoms worsen or persist, it may be necessary to take time off work or school until a full recovery is made. It is also important to avoid activities that raise your heart rate until a healthcare provider approves a return to moderate or intense exercise. Driving should also be avoided for at least a full day after a concussion, and possibly longer if symptoms persist.
If sleep issues persist for several weeks after a concussion, it is recommended to talk to a healthcare provider. Sleep problems are common after a concussion, with 40-65% of people developing them. These issues usually improve as the injury heals, but can sometimes last for weeks or even months.
If you are experiencing worsening symptoms, such as severe headaches, difficulty speaking or walking, or vomiting, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is generally safe to sleep with a minor concussion. Rest is crucial for recovery. However, it is advised to have someone check on you while you sleep to ensure you are breathing normally and sleeping peacefully.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In toddlers, symptoms may manifest as fussing or crying more than usual, refusing to eat, a blank stare, or unusual irritability.
Seek medical attention. A trained healthcare provider can determine if you have a concussion and recommend treatment. Avoid strenuous activities and anything that raises your heart rate or worsens your symptoms.
