Improving Sleep in Veterans After Blast-Induced Brain Injury

A brief summary of current research.

Improving sleep: Initial headache treatment in OIF/OEF veterans with blast-induced mild traumatic brain injury

Ruff, R, Ruff, S, Wang, X (2009). Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 46 (9), pp 1071–1084.

This study looked at 74 veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) who reported histories of mild traumatic brain injury from blasts. Seventy-one of these had PTSD and only five had restful sleep. Sleep hygiene counseling and use of oral prazosin reduced the number of headaches and improved both sleep and cognitive performance after an initial treatment period of nine weeks. The improvements were maintained six months later as well.

Find out more.

Posted on BrainLine March 15, 2010.

Add new comment

Comments (2)

Please remember, we are not able to give medical or legal advice. If you have medical concerns, please consult your doctor. All posted comments are the views and opinions of the poster only.

Anonymous replied on Mon, 12/12/2011 - 7:51pm Permalink

As a practicing Psychologist, Neurofeedback, and Biofeedback provider, I have found Neurofeedback treatment to be effective in reducing the incidence and duration of post tbi headaches, where medication has been less than optimally effective, or not well tolerated. It has also been a useful intervention to improve the quality of sleep. As a professional in this field for 20 years, I have seen the slow and steady growth of clinical applications and research. A comprehensive bibliography can be viewed at ISNR.org Numerous providers have been offering their services pro bono to our wounded warriors.

Anonymous replied on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 5:15pm Permalink

Just a thought and maybe something that should be put to the test. Trauma and pain increases sensory perceptions, so could a change in fabric bedding help? Wool is supposed to help premature babies with sleep according to a research conducted into the sleep patterns of premature babies at the Cambridge Maternity Hospital in 1979. Please visit the Cambridge Centre for Family Research for Scott and Richards's work (researchers)http://www.ppsis.cam.ac.uk/CFR/about/people/richards_crp.php#8