The Sleep Struggle After a Concussion: What You Need to Know
- CSMA Team
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Sleep disturbances are one of the most common—and often overlooked—symptoms after a concussion, and they can significantly slow down the healing process if left unaddressed.
Concussions are widely recognized for their immediate effects—headaches, confusion, dizziness—but one of the most persistent and often overlooked symptoms is disrupted sleep. For many patients, the road to recovery after a concussion includes an unexpected challenge: getting consistent, restorative rest.
Whether you’re dealing with post-concussion fatigue, trouble falling asleep, or waking up exhausted after a full night in bed, you’re not alone. At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA), we specialize in helping patients in Houston and Austin discover the connection between concussions and sleep disturbances—and develop a personalized recovery plan that restores rest and enhances quality of life.
How Concussions Impact Sleep
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While it may not always result in loss of consciousness, a concussion can temporarily alter how the brain functions—including how it regulates sleep.
Why? Because the areas of the brain responsible for managing your sleep-wake cycles—the hypothalamus, brainstem, and pineal gland—can be directly affected by trauma.
Common post-concussion sleep disturbances include:
Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness)
Fragmented sleep or waking frequently during the night
Circadian rhythm disruption, leading to irregular sleep schedules
Sleep apnea or worsening of preexisting breathing-related sleep disorders
These sleep disturbance issues often emerge days or weeks after the initial injury, making them easy to miss or misattribute to stress or anxiety.
Why Sleep Matters for Brain Recovery
Sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s essential for neurological healing. During sleep, the brain performs critical maintenance: clearing toxins, consolidating memories, and repairing cells. When sleep is disrupted after a concussion, the brain’s ability to heal is compromised, potentially prolonging symptoms like:
Brain fog
Mood swings or irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Slowed reaction times
In fact, ongoing sleep disturbances are one of the most common reasons post-concussion symptoms linger. Addressing sleep early can significantly accelerate your recovery.
When to Seek Help for Post-Concussion Sleep Issues
It’s normal to feel tired after a concussion—but it’s not normal for sleep problems to persist for weeks or months. If you're experiencing ongoing fatigue, sleep disruptions, or unexplained cognitive changes after a concussion, it may be time to speak with a sleep specialist.
Some red flags to watch for:
Sleepiness interfering with work, school, or daily function
Worsening headaches or memory problems
Mood changes linked to poor sleep
You’re sleeping more but feeling worse
Snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep
How CSMA Helps
At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates, we work closely with patients and referring physicians to evaluate and treat sleep disorders related to brain injuries—including concussions. Our board-certified sleep specialists in Houston and Austin understand the unique needs of patients recovering from concussions.
Here’s how we support your recovery:
💤 Comprehensive Sleep Evaluations
We take a detailed look at your sleep patterns, symptoms, and medical history to uncover the root cause of your issues.
💤Diagnostic Testing
In-lab or home-based sleep studies may be used to identify specific disorders like sleep apnea, periodic limb movements, or circadian rhythm disruptions.
💤 Individualized Treatment Plans
We create personalized solutions based on your specific diagnosis. Treatment may include behavioral strategies, circadian realignment, medication (when appropriate), or CPAP therapy for breathing-related issues.
💤 Ongoing Support & Education
We walk alongside you throughout your recovery journey, adjusting treatment as needed and empowering you to take control of your sleep health.
Let’s Make Restful Sleep Part of Your Recovery
Concussions can be disruptive—but your recovery doesn’t have to be. Addressing your sleep health is one of the most powerful things you can do to support your brain’s healing and get back to the life you love.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with sleep after a concussion, don’t wait. The team at CSMA is here to help you rest easier, heal faster, and move forward with confidence.
📍Schedule an appointment today at one of our Houston or Austin locations.
