A digital illustration depicting a person asleep in a bed, set against a backdrop of a brain with glowing neural pathways, highlighting sleep's importance in the recovery process.

Unlocking Sleep Secrets After Brain Injury: Why You're Tired and What to Do

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Understanding the connection between traumatic brain injury, sleep disturbances, and potential solutions for a better night's rest."

Have you or a loved one experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? If so, you're likely familiar with the aftermath, which often includes a range of challenges, from cognitive difficulties to emotional changes. However, one symptom that frequently gets overlooked is the impact on sleep. For many individuals with TBI, getting a good night's rest becomes a persistent struggle.

Research indicates that sleep disturbances are incredibly common after a TBI, affecting up to 70% of patients in the months following the injury. These sleep-wake disturbances, often involving excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty maintaining alertness, can significantly hinder daily functioning and quality of life. This article dives into the often-unseen world of sleep after TBI, providing a comprehensive overview of the problem, the underlying causes, and potential solutions.

We'll explore the latest research on the topic, delving into the specific challenges faced by individuals with TBI and offering practical strategies to improve sleep quality. This isn't just about getting more hours of sleep; it's about regaining control over your sleep patterns and, in turn, reclaiming your overall well-being.

Why is Sleep So Disrupted After a TBI?

A digital illustration depicting a person asleep in a bed, set against a backdrop of a brain with glowing neural pathways, highlighting sleep's importance in the recovery process.

The disruption of sleep after a traumatic brain injury is a complex issue, influenced by various factors directly linked to the injury and its consequences. When a TBI occurs, the brain undergoes significant changes, and the delicate balance of sleep-wake cycles is often thrown off. This disruption can manifest in various ways, leading to the development of sleep disturbances. The severity of the injury plays a crucial role, with moderate to severe TBIs often resulting in more pronounced sleep problems.

The research highlights the role of brain structures in sleep regulation and how they are affected by TBI. Key areas include the hypothalamus, which houses the circadian pacemaker. Damage to this area can lead to irregular sleep patterns. Additionally, neurotransmitters crucial for sleep, like melatonin, serotonin and orexin, may be disrupted.

Brain Injury Severity: The more severe the injury, the higher the likelihood of persistent sleep disturbances.
Damage to Brain Structures: Injuries to specific brain regions, such as the hypothalamus, can disrupt sleep-wake cycles.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Changes in brain chemicals like serotonin, melatonin and orexin, which regulate sleep, can lead to sleep disorders.
Comorbidities: Co-existing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and pain, can all negatively impact sleep quality.
Medications: The use of certain medications, particularly those affecting the nervous system, can interfere with sleep.

Understanding the cause of the sleep problems is the first step toward an effective treatment plan. This involves not only identifying the physical impacts of the injury but also considering the emotional, psychological, and lifestyle changes that accompany a TBI. This comprehensive approach is important in the quest for better sleep and overall health.

Taking Control of Your Sleep After a TBI

Managing sleep disturbances after a TBI is an ongoing process, but the information and techniques are accessible to anyone. Seeking advice from medical professionals is the best first step. By focusing on sleep hygiene and seeking professional guidance, individuals with TBI can improve their sleep patterns, reduce daytime fatigue, and experience a better quality of life. With dedication and the right support, a more restful and fulfilling life is within reach.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.sleep.2018.11.012, Alternate LINK

Title: Towards A Better Understanding Of Increased Sleep Duration In The Chronic Phase Of Moderate To Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Actigraphy Study

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Sleep Medicine

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Héjar El-Khatib, Caroline Arbour, Erlan Sanchez, Marie Dumont, Catherine Duclos, Hélène Blais, Julie Carrier, Jean Paquet, Nadia Gosselin

Published: 2019-07-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does a traumatic brain injury (TBI) lead to sleep problems?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts sleep due to several factors. The severity of the injury is key, with more severe injuries leading to worse sleep problems. Damage to specific brain structures, such as the hypothalamus which regulates the circadian pacemaker, can disrupt sleep-wake cycles. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like melatonin, serotonin, and orexin, which are essential for sleep regulation, also play a significant role. Addressing these disruptions is crucial for effective sleep management post-TBI. Co-existing conditions such as depression, anxiety and pain can also impact sleep quality.

What specific brain areas and chemicals are affected by a TBI that lead to sleep disturbances?

Following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), several brain areas and chemicals can be affected, leading to sleep disturbances. The hypothalamus, which houses the circadian pacemaker, is a key area that can be damaged, resulting in irregular sleep patterns. Additionally, neurotransmitters such as melatonin, serotonin and orexin, all of which play crucial roles in regulating sleep, can be disrupted. The impact on these specific areas and chemicals highlights the complexity of sleep disturbances after a TBI.

What role do medications play in sleep disturbances after a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

Medications, especially those affecting the nervous system, can significantly interfere with sleep patterns after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While medications might be necessary to manage other symptoms or conditions, it's important to consider their potential impact on sleep. Discussing medication side effects with medical professionals and exploring alternative options when possible is advisable to minimize sleep disruptions. The interplay between medications and sleep highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to treatment post-TBI.

Besides the physical damage from a TBI, what other factors contribute to sleep problems?

Beyond the direct physical damage from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), several other factors can contribute to sleep problems. Co-existing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and pain can all negatively impact sleep quality. Additionally, the emotional, psychological, and lifestyle changes that often accompany a TBI can further disrupt sleep patterns. A comprehensive approach to managing sleep after TBI involves addressing these additional factors alongside the physical effects of the injury.

What practical steps can be taken to improve sleep quality after a TBI, and why is it important?

Improving sleep quality after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves several practical steps, primarily focusing on sleep hygiene. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment. Seeking advice from medical professionals is the best first step. Improving sleep quality is important because it can reduce daytime fatigue and enhance overall well-being, contributing to a more restful and fulfilling life. Addressing sleep disturbances is an ongoing process, but the information and techniques are accessible to anyone.