Sleep Disturbance in the Brain Injured Patient HF#7323

 What is the problem?

 

Many people with brain injuries have changes in their sleep cycles.  They may not be able to sleep at night or stay asleep.  This may cause them to be sleepy during the day. Not getting enough sleep can affect a person’s health, and slow down their recovery.  It can cause a person to become confused and angry.  It can interfere with their ability to do things.

 

Why do I need to know this?

 

Sleep is very important. The nurse will ask you about your normal sleep habits.
For example:
• What time do you go to sleep at night?
• What time do you wake up in the morning?
• What do you do to help you get ready to sleep? (music, reading, personal   hygiene, television)
• Do you like to use a nightlight?
• Do you like a snack before you go to bed?
• Is there anything you always sleep with?
• Can this be brought to the hospital to help you sleep?

 

What is considered good sleep and why is it important?

 

The amount of sleep needed is different for each person. Sleep is needed to heal the body and brain. . Active healing occurs in the first three months after the brain is injured. This is an important time to prevent chronic sleep problems and to help brain healing.

 

What causes sleep problems?

• New medical problems
• Anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric problems
• Being older  (elderly)
• Family history of sleep problems
• Female
• Stress (financial, emotional, with other people)
• Noise, lights, high or low temperatures, etc (environmental)
• Pain

What can make a person sleep better?

 

Possible Causes of Sleep Problems	Interventions
Too many disruptions	Use the bathroom before going to sleep  Consider ear plugs, music, or the care  channel during the night
Not comfortable	Take extra pain medicine half an hour before bedtime Use extra pillows Use warm blankets if you're cold Adjust room temperature Foot or back massage Change positions in bed Bedtime snack Personal hygeine
Not tired	Limit caffeine Stay active during the day Schedule short rest breaks between daytime activities Follow normal bedtime habits (music, reading, TV) Limit noise Dim or turn off lights Close doors Take sleep medicine if needed
Unfamiliar Place	Bring in things from home to decorate room or provide comfort Use night light

 

 

References

Caple, C., & Grose, S. (2011). Sleep and Hospitalization. Retrieved January 30, 2012, from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/ehost/pdf viewer/pdfviewer? sid=5654f9e3-0484-4e67-8329-dba7b8c7170a%40sessionmgr104&vid=4&hid=104

 

Levine, J., & Flanagan, S. (2010). Rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 33(4), 877-891. Retrieved January 17, 2012, from http://www.mdconsult.com.ezproxy.library.wisc.edu/das/article/body/313350186-2/jorg=journal&source=&sp=23787293&sid=0/N/776296/1.html?issn=0193-953X

 

Pressman, Mark. (2011). Definition and consequences of sleep deprivation.Up to Date. Retrieved January 21, 2012, from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/definition-and-consequences-of-sleep-deprivation

 

Thoma, M. (2009). UWHC Guidelines for the Treatment of Insomnia.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 03/20/2012

Copyright © 03/20/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7323

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