Blog
Insights about sleep-wake disturbances after concussion
A review article by Stefanie Howell in the Psychiatric Times provides information to identify sleep-wake disturbances after traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with current diagnostic and treatment strategies. Although Howell writes generally about TBI (presumably of all severities), she notes that sleep-wake disturbances may develop after mild TBI (concussion), and several of the studies she references are specifically about mild TBI.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Highly Effective and Easily Accessible
In this New York Times article, Christina Caron discusses one of the most effective therapy treatments: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, it’s not only used in clinical psychology––but also to treat a common experience: insomnia. Most people have experienced insomnia at one point in their life or another. However, for some, insomnia is a constant in their lives; one in 10 adults has chronic insomnia, and it is a common symptom after a concussion.
Sex, race, psychiatric history, intracranial injury associated with increased prevalence of insomnia after a TBI
A study found that female biological sex, Black race, history of psychiatric illness, or intracranial injury were associated with a higher severity level of insomnia symptoms post-TBI.
Sleep quality may explain the connection between mood dysregulation and neurodegeneration following TBI
A study by Jackie L. Gottshall et al. found that poor sleep quality may be an "important driver of the relationships" between common post-mTBI neuropsychiatric disorders—major depressive disorder (MDD), post-concussive symptoms (PCS), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—and biomarkers of neurodegeneration.
Improving sleep and sleep-related outcomes in veterans with and without a head injury
Veterans with or without a history of head injury are encouraged to participate in a remote study to learn about how receiving bright light or negative ions in the morning might affect sleep in veterans of all ages.
Sleep study for veterans with sleep issues and concussion history
The Sleepless Warriors At-Home study is recruiting veterans age 21+ who have served in the military for at least 180 days, have trouble sleeping, and have a concussion history.