What Factors Might Interfere With Your Sleep Patterns?
One of the common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury is marked changes in your sleep patterns. You experience difficulty falling or staying asleep, or you find yourself struggling most of the time to stay awake. What’s causing those changes?
Common Causes of Sleep Problems After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Your brain is your body’s command center. One of its many jobs is to tell your body when it’s time to get some rest. When you sustain an injury to your brain, there can be an interruption of that function.
You May Have Chemical Changes in Your Body
Your body produces certain types of chemicals that facilitate effective sleep—the two most common are melatonin and cortisol. When you suffer a TBI, your body may change its production of these chemicals, as well as the way those chemicals affect your body.
You May Be Breathing Differently
Your brain also controls how you take in and expel oxygen. A TBI can cause a condition known as sleep apnea, where you stop breathing while asleep long enough for blood oxygen levels to be significantly affected.
Your Medications Can Affect Your Sleep
Some medications commonly prescribed to TBI patients are known to cause insomnia, and others can make you drowsy. This can be managed to some degree according to what time of day you take the medication.
Your Insomnia May Stem From Inactivity
When you suffer a traumatic brain injury, your body and your brain both need rest. However, a complete lack of physical activity can make sleep more difficult.
Pain Can Negatively Affect Your Sleep Patterns
The accident that caused your TBI may have caused other injuries as well. Those injuries might lead to significant pain, which can make it hard to fall or stay asleep.
Caffeine, Alcohol, and Nicotine Can Compromise Your Sleep
Caffeine and nicotine are both stimulants that hinder efforts to get good sleep. Alcohol can also have a detrimental effect on sleep patterns.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion or other traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
