Traumatic Brain Injury: Mild Head Injuries Up Rate of Sleep Disorders

A mild head injury can increase a person's chance of developing a sleep disorder, says a recent study published in the April 3, 2007 issue of the journal of Neurology. The researchers who conducted the study say that the findings show the need for improved diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in those with mild traumatic brain injury patients who suffer from insomnia. Study author Liat Ayalon, PhD, says that "as many as 40 to 60 percent of people who have mild traumatic brain injury complain of insomnia."

Mild Head Injuries Increase Risk of Sleep Disorders

Researchers looked at 42 people who complained of insomnia after a mild traumatic brain injury. Those who were believed to have a circadian rhythm sleep disorder (CRSD) were studied using brain scans, sleep studies, and had their oral temperature and saliva melatonin measured. Ayalon said that the study indicated that "the frequency of sleep disorders in this study is considerably higher than the rate of these disorders among people attending sleep clinics for insomnia, which is seven to ten percent." Ayalon added that circadian rhythm sleep disorders often are associated with cognitive and psychological problems.