Incidence, Impact and Causes of Sleep Dysfunction
after Traumatic Brain Injury
Sleep difficulties are relatively common
following brain injury. Studies have shown difficulties with both sleep
maintenance and excessive sleepiness during the day. A preliminary study
was conducted to determine predictive factors of a sleep disorder. Females,
older individuals, persons with an alcohol abuse history, and those with
average or better immediate memory were most likely to experience sleep
difficulties. While the results were generally consistent with other reports
in the literature, some inconsistencies were noted, particularly in regard
to the influence of injury severity. There has been only limited study
of the effects of sleep difficulties on long-term outcomes. The proposed
longitudinal study will compare sleep difficulties of those with brain
injury with friend controls. Predictive factors and associations with
long-term outcomes will also be investigated. Commonly used medications
for improving sleep will be identified.