The Dartmouth College of Sports Medicine advises that it is fine to go to sleep after a concussion so long as someone wakes you up every two hours. In a study in the September-October issue of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation , researchers reported greater levels of fatigue in people who have had head injuries, compared with those who have not.
The researchers concluded that regular rest breaks and increasing intervals of restful sleep should be a part of the rehabilitation from head injury. If you are around someone who has a head injury or possible concussion, monitor the symptoms closely. It is important to call a doctor or go to a hospital immediately if the person has worrisome symptoms such as:. When a head injury is serious enough to require medical care, a doctor will give you instructions on how to monitor and treat the injury once the person is released from the hospital or clinic.
These instructions will generally not include keeping the person awake and alert. Head injuries. Accessed November 5, Head injuries: what to watch for afterward. November 5, Head injury: concussion. Dartmouth College of Sports Medicine website.
Radiology for traumatic brain injury. Accessed July 23, Subjective reports of fatigue during early recovery from traumatic brain injury. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.
Exceptional Nurses Winchester Hospital was the first community hospital in the state to achieve Magnet designation, recognition for nursing excellence. Supporting Our Community Our tremendous staff gives back to our community by coordinating free health screenings, educational programs, and food drives. Children should be checked every few hours for the first night after a head injury Credit: Getty Images.
However, the possibility of a bleed on the brain is the reason that it is important to look out the symptoms I mentioned before if you are with someone who has banged their head. But if someone is not confused or vomiting, or has double vision or trouble walking or a severe head or neck ache, these recommendations do not include the advice to keep them awake. So athletes have to stop training for a time, but should also stop taxing their brains.
Children should do less school work, for example, until they have fully recovered. The brain needs to heal by not doing so much and so sleep is perfect for it. This is the current advice.
Although it should be said, that until very recently, very few trials have tested the advice that is given, something that worries some researchers.
While the old beliefs about the dangers of sleep after a concussion are false, it is true that sleeping could conceal signs of a serious brain injury. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Debunking the myths about sleep and concussion. Updated December 18, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heads up: What is a concussion? Updated February 12, American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Cleveland Clinic. Updated June 2, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Is it safe to sleep if you have a concussion?
Updated March 8, Is it safe to sleep after a concussion? Updated July 29, How to sleep with a concussion. Heads up: Danger signs. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
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Unless your healthcare provider calls for a MRI or CT scan, then a concussed person should follow proper protocol. Rest in the acute stage, followed by guided and gradual recovery. The same rules apply. You should let them sleep if there are no signs of them getting worse. But, if you are very concerned as a parent or guardian, monitor them throughout the night and wake them up.
If you or a loved one suffer a concussion, make sure they are properly assessed by a medical doctor or a licensed healthcare practitioner with training in concussion management. If you see any potential red flags , immediately take the concussed person the nearest emergency room or call emergency services. Available at: www. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
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