Winton Eliott
In movies and television shows, they frequently say to the brain-injured person, “stay with me,” or “don’t go to sleep.” Is this just a myth or is it a genuine situation? Is it safe to sleep after suffering a head injury?
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury. Symptoms after a concussion can include dizziness, confusion, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.
You may have heard that it’s not safe to sleep with a concussion or that you should be woken up every few hours while recovering.
We explain how concussions affect sleep and offer tips for better sleep so you can recover more quickly.
Is it safe to sleep with a concussion?
When you suffer a concussion, your brain is injured and needs time to heal. During this time, it is important to get plenty of rest so that your body can focus on repair.
However, many people wonder if it is safe to sleep with a concussion.
The answer is that it depends.
If you are feeling dizzy or nauseous, it is best to stay awake in case you need to vomit. However, if you are not experiencing these symptoms, then it is generally safe to sleep.
It is important to listen to your body and avoid any activities that could exacerbate your concussion. Sleeping will help you to rest and recover, so it is generally advisable to do so unless you are experiencing other symptoms.
Read also: How Does Sleep Engineering Improve And Boost Memory In Your Brain
Why can’t you sleep with a concussion?
There are several reasons why you can’t sleep with a concussion. It includes:
To prevent worse injury
When you suffer a concussion, it is important to take steps to prevent further injury. One of the most important things you can do is to avoid sleeping.
When you are asleep, you are at risk of falling and hitting your head again. This could make the concussion worse and lead to more serious problems.
If you must sleep, be sure to have someone nearby who can watch over you and make sure you stay safe. Taking these precautions can help you avoid further injury and ensure that your concussion heals properly.
To avoid giving yourself time to forget what happened
If you suffer a concussion, one of the side effects can be memory problems. You may find yourself forgetting what happened leading up to the concussion.
That’s why it’s important to stay awake and alert after such an injury. By being conscious, you can better remember the events and get the proper medical care.
Concussions can cause select memories to be forgotten. It is essential to remain aware so that any valuable information is not lost. If necessary, jot down notes or ask someone to help remind you of key details.
To monitor for other problems
Sleeping after a concussion can also make it difficult to monitor for other problems. For instance, if you have a headache or are feeling nauseous, it can be hard to tell if these are symptoms of the concussion or something else.
By staying awake, you can more easily keep an eye on your symptoms and get help if anything seems to be getting worse.
It is generally recommended that people with concussions avoid sleeping for the first few hours after the injury. This gives the brain time to rest and heal.
After that, it is usually fine to sleep, but be sure to do so with someone nearby who can keep an eye on you.
If you have any concerns about your concussion, be sure to talk to a doctor. With proper care, most concussions will heal within a few weeks.
Read also: Why Neurons Consume So Much Energy in Sleep
How do concussions affect sleep?
Concussions can cause a variety of sleep problems, including
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
Concussions can cause difficulty sleeping due to the pain and discomfort they often cause. headaches are a common symptom of concussions, and they can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Additionally, some people may have trouble sleeping due to the anxiety and stress that can come with having a concussion.
If you have a concussion, it is important to talk to your doctor about any sleep problems you are having. They can provide you with tips and resources to help you get the rest you need.
Read also: How Trauma Affects The Brain
The takeaway
Most concussions will heal within a few weeks, but it is generally recommended that people with concussions avoid sleeping for the first few hours after the injury.
With proper care, most concussions will heal without any long-term effects. However, if you have any concerns about your concussion, be sure to talk to a doctor.
Sleeping immediately after a concussion can actually prolong the healing process, so it is important to avoid sleep if possible.
If you must sleep, be sure to wake up every few hours to check for any changes in your condition.
Concussions are serious injuries, so it is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have one. With proper care, most concussions will heal without any long-term effects.
