Written by Ben Thayer, Co-Founder & Co-Owner · 3 min read

Clinical reviewer: Dr. Jon Kimball, MD, Co-Founder, Clinical Lead · Review date added after clinical review

Published

Educational information only. Not medical or legal advice. Questions? Book a 15-minute call or phone 813-709-3771.

Who this is for: Written for people whose sleep changed after a concussion, and for the family members who notice it.

Key takeaways

  • Sleep often changes after a concussion, toward too much, too little or broken sleep.
  • Poor sleep worsens daytime headache, irritability and fogginess, creating a frustrating cycle.
  • Keep a consistent schedule, limit screens before bed and avoid late caffeine and evening alcohol.
  • Ask your provider before starting any sleep aid or supplement.
  • Extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking someone after a head injury is an emergency.

Sleep often changes after a head injury

Many people notice their sleep changes after a crash. Some sleep far more than usual and still wake up tired. Others cannot fall asleep, wake repeatedly or wake very early and cannot get back to sleep. Headaches, neck pain, anxiety and nightmares about the accident can all get in the way.

Poor sleep then worsens daytime symptoms such as headache, irritability and fogginess, and a frustrating cycle sets in.

Sleep is when the brain and body do much of their recovery work.

Why sleep matters for recovery

An open journal with a pen resting on a blank page
A simple daily symptom log gives the treating provider a clear trend.

Sleep is when the brain and body do much of their recovery work. When it is disrupted, concentration, memory, mood and pain tolerance all suffer. Improving sleep can make other symptoms more manageable, which is why it deserves direct attention rather than being treated as an afterthought.

Habits that may help

Keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, weekends included. Limit screens for an hour before bed, and keep the bedroom dark, cool and quiet. Avoid caffeine later in the day and alcohol in the evening. Keep naps short if your provider suggests them at all, and ask about light daytime activity. Do not start sleep aids or supplements without asking your provider.

Related in this series: Memory and Focus Problems After a Head Injury, Mood Changes and Irritability After a Head Injury and Headaches Weeks After an Accident: When to Ask About Concussion. For the full overview, start with our guide, Recovery, Work and Family.

Better sleep alone will not resolve every symptom, but it often makes the rest of recovery easier to manage.

Track your sleep

Physician in a white coat speaking with a patient
The treating provider reviews the findings and decides on care.

For a week or two, record your bedtime, roughly how long it took to fall asleep, how often you woke, your wake time and how rested you felt. Note any nightmares, and any snoring or breathing pauses a partner notices.

Then look for links to your days. Many people find their headaches, irritability and fog are worse after a bad night. Writing those connections down helps your provider see the pattern and target care where it will help most.

When to ask about further evaluation

If sleep problems continue, your provider may consider standardized concussion testing, a referral to sleep medicine or behavioral health support for anxiety or traumatic stress. Braintree's physician-reviewed findings can help your provider decide which direction to take.

Emergency warning signs

Extreme drowsiness, difficulty waking someone, confusion on waking, vomiting, a seizure or a worsening headache after a head injury is an emergency. Call 911.

Frequently asked questions

Is sleeping a lot after a concussion normal?

Sleep changes, both more and less, are commonly reported. Track them and tell your provider.

Can poor sleep affect my test results?

Yes. Tell the technician how you slept; the physician takes it into account.

Should I take something to help me sleep?

Ask your treating provider before taking any medication.

Related reading:
How mobile testing works Concussion & TBI testing For patients Service areas concussion without loss of consciousness boat and watercraft accident head injuries florida

We diagnose. You treat.

Mobile, physician-reviewed concussion and TBI diagnostics for Florida providers and their accident patients. Reports go to the treating provider, who decides care.

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Sources

This article is educational and is not medical or legal advice. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.