Treating Insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms in concussion/mTBI patients. Sleep problems can be caused directly by the brain trauma or indirectly by self-medication, anxiety, and depression. Insomnia is particularly crucial to address because often when it resolves, other symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and cognitive problems will likely also diminish.

Recommendations:

• Urge your patient to avoid any of the following within three hours of bedtime:
  • Caffeine
  • Smoking
  • Heavy exercise
  • Heavy eating
  • Napping
• Advise your patient to try to go to sleep
  • Only when tired
  • On a regular schedule
  • In a pleasant and suitable room — quiet, dark or dimly lit, and at a comfortable temperature

For more information about sleep hygiene consult this printer-friendly online resource from the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center.

• If behavioral interventions are not effective, medications can be used to assist with sleep regulation. The VA-DoD guidelines suggest a short trial of non-benzodiazepine hypnotics Proceed with caution and avoid sedatives and sleep aid medications if you suspect sleep apnea.
• Refer your patient to specialty care or to a sleep study if you suspect a more serious sleep disorder.

Read this short piece from the National Sleep Foundation on cognitive behavioral therapy, an innovative way to treat insomnia without the use of pharmaceuticals: