Sleep disturbances are an extremely common side effect of traumatic brain injury (TBI). People who, prior to their accident, had not experienced any difficulty sleeping commonly complain not only of an inability to fall asleep, but also of more frequent restless sleep. Patients frequently wake up during their few hours of sleep and are fully awake and alert by 4 or 5 in the morning. Not only is sleep deprivation itself problematic, but another common symptom of TBI is increased fatigue, which is why many people who experience general fatigue due to a head injury are also unable to get enough sleep to recover.
Getting plenty of rest is not only important for dealing with fatigue, but it’s also crucial for a person’s overall recovery. Most TBIs are caused by some type of fall or collision, and muscle strains and injuries frequently occur in these types of accidents. Sleep is a time when the body can rest and begin to repair injured muscles, but sleep disturbances prevent this necessary healing from taking place. Furthermore, an increase in fatigue has negative effects on an individual’s memory. A person with a head injury who may already have difficulty remembering things may experience an increase in symptoms if they are unable to let their mind rest for a full night’s sleep.
To combat sleep disorders, there are a number of possibilities available. While most common sleep disorders can be treated with a variety of sleep medications, doctors rarely prescribe these types of pills for people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. In cases where a doctor feels that medication is necessary, it is common for them to prescribe a low dose of antidepressant medication to help the person fall asleep and sleep soundly. However, difficulty waking up is a common side effect of this drug.
There are other ways people can increase their chances of getting the rest of their body’s needs. One of the easiest ways to do this is to introduce consistency into your sleep schedule. By going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning, a person can “program” their body to sleep at certain times. In addition, people with sleep disorders should avoid drinking caffeine and exercising late at night, as both activities can increase difficulty falling asleep. Finally, people should make sure the area they sleep in is dark and quiet.
For more information on sleep disorders due to traumatic brain injuries, contact the brain injury attorneys at Williams Kherkher at http://traction-braininjurylawyers.com/.