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How to Sleep Well After a TBI

DMD Admin • Feb 23, 2023

Sufferers of a traumatic brain injury will quickly realize that numerous aspects of their daily routine become difficult to follow. One of those is sleep. We all know how it important to get our requisite eight hours of sleep each night, but those who have a TBI often find out that it is virtually impossible to make that happen without help. It is important to read through the following strategies to better understand how individuals with a brain injury can finally get the sleep that they so desperately need. 

 

Some strategies for getting a restful sleep when suffering from a traumatic brain injury include:

  1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve sleep quality.
  2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine: This can include activities like reading, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath to help you relax and prepare for sleep.
  3. Make your sleep environment comfortable: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and use a comfortable mattress and pillows.
  4. Limit exposure to screens before bed: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
  5. Consider using sleep aids: If you are having trouble sleeping despite trying other strategies, talk to your doctor about whether sleep aids, such as melatonin or prescription medications, may be appropriate for you.
  6. Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery can help calm your mind and body and make it easier to fall asleep.
  7. Seek professional help: If you continue to have difficulty sleeping, consider seeking help from a sleep specialist or a therapist who specializes in treating individuals with traumatic brain injury.

 

Sleep is important for a variety of reasons. It helps to restore the body’s energy levels, allowing for improved physical and mental performance during wakeful hours. It also plays a role in maintaining overall health and well-being, as it helps to support the immune system, regulate hormones, and promote growth and development. Additionally, sleep is necessary for the consolidation of memories and learning, and it may also play a role in emotional regulation. Disruptions in sleep can lead to a variety of health problems, including fatigue, mood changes, and difficulty with concentration and memory.

 

If you don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to a variety of negative effects on your physical and mental health. Some of the most common consequences include:

  • Fatigue and drowsiness during the day, which can lead to difficulty with concentration, memory, and decision-making.
  • Irritability, mood swings, and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
  • Weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
  • Increased risk of accidents and injuries, as sleep deprivation can affect your reaction time and judgement.
  • Increased risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Hormonal imbalances, including an increased appetite and decreased insulin sensitivity.
  • Poor physical performance, sleep deprivation has been shown to have a negative effect on athletic performance and muscle recovery.

 

It’s important to note that the severity of these effects can depend on the individual, and some people may be more affected than others by a lack of sleep. Additionally, chronic sleep deprivation can have more severe and long-term effects on the body and brain.

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