Many people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI)—as many as 40 to 65 percent—experience some form of sleep disorder. Most of these sleep disorders fall under the category of circadian rhythm sleep disorders, which are defined as problems associated with the timing of sleep. These problems can include:
Sleep issues in those who have suffered from traumatic brain injury is concerning, as not only is sleep integral to the healing process, but lack of sleep aggravates other symptoms of TBI including headache, moodiness and emotional distress, and cognitive impairment. Correct treatment of sleep disorders may actually improve other symptoms of traumatic brain injury.
While prescription medications are frequently prescribed to people with sleep disorders, doctors prefer not to prescribe these medications to people with traumatic brain injury. Instead, treatment is focused on normalizing the sleep-wake cycle.