For years, a common misconception has circulated: individuals with concussions should be kept awake to prevent them from slipping into a coma or losing consciousness. However, modern medical understanding, supported by experts like Dr. Alice Alexander from UAMS, reveals this advice to be outdated. The question then arises: why can’t you sleep with a concussion, and is it truly dangerous? Let’s delve into the facts and dispel these myths.
The outdated advice to keep concussion patients awake stemmed from fears of missing critical symptoms that might arise during sleep. People worried that if someone with a concussion fell asleep and their condition worsened, it would go unnoticed. This led to the practice of frequently waking them up throughout the night. However, Dr. Alexander and contemporary medical professionals assure us that if an injured person is alert and communicative immediately following a head injury, allowing them to sleep is generally safe and even beneficial for recovery.
“Usually after a concussion, a person may be dazed or may vomit,” Dr. Alexander clarifies. These immediate symptoms are important to observe. For children, a common recommendation is for parents to gently rouse them a couple of times during the first night to ensure they can be awakened and are responsive. This is a precautionary measure, not a mandate to keep them awake for the entire night. The key is monitoring for any new or worsening symptoms, not sleep itself.
It’s crucial to understand what a concussion actually is. A concussion is defined as a traumatic brain injury resulting from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or even a sudden impact to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist within the skull, leading to chemical changes and potential damage to brain cells. Importantly, a concussion is not typically associated with internal bleeding in the brain.
In most cases, individuals who sustain a concussion recover relatively quickly, and their recovery can be effectively managed at home with rest and observation. Sleep plays a vital role in this recovery process. Just like any other injury, the body needs rest to heal. For the brain, sleep provides an opportunity to restore and repair itself. Trying to stay awake when your body and brain are demanding rest can actually hinder the healing process and potentially exacerbate symptoms.
However, it’s essential to be vigilant for certain warning signs. While sleep is generally safe, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if, after a head injury, someone develops concerning symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Dilated pupils: Pupils becoming larger than normal or unequal in size.
- Difficulty walking or loss of coordination: Stumbling, balance problems, or weakness.
- Persistent vomiting: Repeated vomiting, especially if forceful.
- Seizures or convulsions: Uncontrolled shaking or jerking movements.
- Changes in consciousness: Increasing confusion, disorientation, or difficulty waking up.
- Severe headache that worsens: A headache that is intense and doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Slurred speech: Difficulty speaking clearly.
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs: Loss of strength or sensation in limbs.
If any of these symptoms are present or develop after a head injury, it is crucial to seek immediate medical evaluation. A doctor can properly assess the situation, rule out more serious injuries, and provide appropriate guidance for recovery.
In conclusion, the old adage of “don’t let them sleep” after a concussion is largely a myth. Unless a medical professional advises otherwise, allowing someone with a concussion to sleep is generally safe and beneficial for recovery. The focus should be on ensuring the person is initially alert and responsive, and then monitoring for any concerning new symptoms, rather than preventing sleep itself. Rest, including sleep, is a cornerstone of concussion recovery, allowing the brain to heal and restore its function. If you are concerned about a potential concussion, always err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional.
