Having a TBI may cause a sleep problem for various reasons including direct trauma to the sleep areas in the brain, changes in melatonin, a brain hormone involved in regulating sleep, and other injury types. Other problems and some common TBI symptoms also can make sleep more difficult. These include:

• Abuse of drugs and alcohol

• Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety

• Daytime sleepiness (because you may end up napping during the day)

• Headache and other types of pain

If you are recovering from TBI, you may:

• Have trouble falling asleep

• Have trouble staying asleep

• Wake up often and easily (you’re a “light sleeper”)

• Not be able to fall back asleep

• Have trouble getting enough oxygen while sleeping (called sleep apnea)

• Develop narcolepsy, which is falling asleep suddenly and uncontrollably 

• Develop sleepwalking, which is walking or moving while asleep with no awareness of the action 

Your brain needs sleep to recover from a TBI. Not getting enough sleep can make many other TBI symptoms worse. These symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Mental confusion

• Pain

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Mood swings

• Memory problems 

Insomnia after TBI can persist. It may be accompanied by depression and trouble functioning during the day. If your symptoms get worse or last for more than a few weeks, reach out to your healthcare provider or specialists for help. Behavioral therapy and medicines to keep you awake during the day or antidepressants are very helpful in some.

In most people, medicines that help you sleep are rarely the answer for sleep problems that a TBI causes. Many sleep medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, can make TBI worse. Don’t take any sleep medicines or aids before checking with your healthcare provider.

The best way to treat TBI-related sleep problems is with good sleep hygiene. That means:

• Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, including weekends

• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine

• Getting some exercise and sunshine every day to help reset your internal clock

• Resting during the day, but not napping for more than 20 minutes

• Avoiding heavy exercise and heavy meals for several hours before bedtime

• Keeping your bedroom quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature

• Keep stress and work out of the bedroom 

• Not watching TV or working on your computer while in bed

• Not lying awake in bed; get up and do a relaxing activity for a short while

Sleep problems are common after a TBI. If good sleep hygiene is not solving your sleep problems, talk with your healthcare provider. You may need to learn some relaxation techniques or try talk therapy to help you through a mental health problem like depression or anxiety.  

Sleeping well is one of the best ways to help your brain recover. Do everything you can to get the rest you need.