How Concussions Can Disrupt Your Sleep—and What It Means for Your Recovery

Hi Katie,

After a concussion, many patients notice that sleep doesn’t feel like it used to. Poor sleep can affect your recovery, mood, and overall well-being. In this newsletter, we explore how a head injury can impact different aspects of your sleep.

1. Difficulty Falling Asleep

After a concussion, your brain can become hyper-alert. This heightened state of arousal makes it hard to relax and wind down, so falling asleep takes longer. The constant stream of thoughts or increased sensitivity to light and sound can keep you awake when you really need rest.

2. Trouble Staying Asleep

Once you do fall asleep, your sleep may be disrupted. Concussions can affect the brain’s ability to regulate sleep cycles, leading to frequent awakenings during the night. This fragmentation means you might wake up multiple times, making it hard to get through the night continuously.

3. Non-Restorative Sleep

Even if you manage to sleep through the night, the quality of your sleep might be poor. Restorative sleep is when your body repairs and rejuvenates itself, but a concussion can alter this process. The injury may disrupt the deep sleep stages that are essential for healing, leaving you feeling tired and unrefreshed in the morning.

Why Does a Concussion Affect Sleep?

A concussion impacts the brain’s regulatory systems—areas responsible for managing sleep, stress, and sensory input. When these systems are disrupted:

Moving Forward

Understanding these sleep disruptions is a key step in addressing them. At Plasticity Brain Centers, we work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that target the underlying neurological issues. By addressing the root cause of sleep disturbances after a concussion, we can help you regain the restorative sleep essential for your recovery.

If you’re struggling with sleep after a concussion, know that you’re not alone—and there are solutions available. Reach out to us today to learn more about our approach to improving sleep and overall brain health.

Wishing you restful nights and brighter days,

The Plasticity Brain Centers Team

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Are you or a loved one prepared to embark on a transformative journey towards better brain health? Reach out to Katie via email at katie@plasticitycenters.com or give us a call at 855-955-9727. Discover firsthand the positive transformation that awaits you at Plasticity Centers!