The Link Between Concussions and Sleep Disruption
- CSMA Team
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Understanding the Hidden Impact—and How CSMA Can Help
Concussions are more than just a bump on the head. While they’re often associated with sports injuries or accidents, the ripple effects of a concussion can linger long after the initial impact—and one of the most overlooked consequences is sleep disruption.
At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA), we’re seeing a growing connection between concussions and chronic sleep issues. Understanding this link is critical for recovery and long-term well-being.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden blow, jolt, or bump to the head. This can happen during a fall, a car accident, a sports collision, or even something as simple as hitting your head on a cabinet door.
While concussions are labeled “mild” TBIs, their effects can be anything but. Symptoms often include:
Headache or pressure in the head
Confusion or fogginess
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or balance problems
Sensitivity to light and noise
Memory issues
Fatigue or drowsiness
And here’s where things get more complicated: many people don’t realize that sleep issues are also a common—and persistent—result of concussion.
Sleep, after seeing a medical provider, is not only safe after a concussion—it’s often essential for recovery. Despite the lingering myth that people with concussions shouldn’t sleep, rest plays a critical role in healing the brain. However, it’s common to experience sleep disturbances such as insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, or shifts in normal sleep patterns.
How Do Concussions Affect Sleep?
After a concussion, the brain may struggle to regulate the normal sleep-wake cycle (also known as the circadian rhythm).
This disruption can lead to several sleep issues, including:
Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Hypersomnia: Sleeping excessively or feeling sleepy all day
Fragmented sleep: Frequent waking throughout the night
Delayed sleep phase syndrome: Falling asleep and waking much later than normal
These disturbances are not just frustrating—they can interfere with recovery. When the brain doesn’t get restorative sleep, it struggles to heal. This creates a vicious cycle: the concussion impairs sleep, and poor sleep delays healing.
The Compounding Impact of Poor Sleep
Loss of sleep or sleep deprivation can be significant and is associated with adverse effects on mood and behavior in both children and adults. Poor sleep can exacerbate headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties associated with concussions.
Lack of quality sleep affects far more than just your energy levels and causes fatigue and headaches. After a concussion, poor sleep can:
Increase emotional instability, leading to anxiety, irritability, or depression, which can also lead to strained relationships and reduced ability to engage with others
Worsen cognitive function, impacting attention, concentration, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities–overall, making it harder to concentrate or remember things
Slow physical recovery, including headaches, dizziness, and balance problems
Weakened immune response, increasing vulnerability to illness–impairing the body's ability to fight off infections
Increase risk of chronic issues, such as post-concussion syndrome or even seizures in some individuals
Weight gain, can disrupt the balance of hormones that regulate appetite, potentially leading to increased hunger and weight gain
Higher risk of accidents and injuries, as sleepiness impairs judgement, reaction time, and alertness, increasing the risk of accidents
Sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s a biological necessity for healing.
How CSMA Can Help
At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, we specialize in identifying and treating the underlying sleep disturbances that can follow a concussion.
Our board-certified sleep experts—including Dr. Jerald H. Simmons, a nationally recognized leader in sleep medicine—offer a comprehensive approach that may include:
In-depth sleep evaluations and diagnostics
Overnight sleep studies and home testing options
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
Medication or non-pharmacological interventions
Customized care plans based on your unique recovery timeline
We work with patients, caregivers, and referring physicians to ensure that sleep isn’t overlooked during concussion recovery—but actively supported.
Don’t Let a Concussion Steal Your Sleep—or Your Health
If you or someone you love has had a concussion and is struggling with sleep, don’t wait. Identifying and treating sleep issues early can make a meaningful difference in recovery and quality of life.
📞 Contact CSMA today to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our concussion-related sleep services.
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