After a motor vehicle accident or a slip-and-fall, headaches, dizziness, and memory problems may be given immediate attention. Sleep problems, however, can be easier to overlook. Yet research indicates that sleep disturbances affect many people after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including people with mild injuries. Symptoms can include trouble falling or staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, irregular sleep patterns, and sleep apnea. Sleep problems may also interact with pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
How Can a TBI Affect Sleep?
A TBI can disrupt brain systems involved in regulating sleep and wakefulness. Depending on the injury, a person may develop insomnia or sleep far more than usual. Breathing problems during sleep can also occur. In addition, pain, mood changes, medications, and changes in daily activity can contribute to disrupted sleep.
These problems are not necessarily limited to the first few days after an accident. Medical sources report that sleep symptoms may appear soon after a TBI or develop later. That makes it important to tell your doctor about changes in your sleep, even if you did not notice them immediately.
Why Sleep Problems Matter in a TBI Claim
Sleep difficulties can affect more than nighttime rest. Poor sleep may contribute to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, and reduced ability to function. Research also indicates that sleep disruption can interfere with rehabilitation and recovery.
For someone pursuing a TBI claim after a Kansas or Missouri motor vehicle accident or a slip-and-fall, documenting these effects can help create a clearer picture of how the injury has affected daily life.
How Should You Document Sleep Problems After an Accident?
Begin by telling your healthcare provider when the sleep changes began and how they differ from your normal sleep before the accident. Be specific. Explain whether you struggle to fall asleep, wake repeatedly, wake too early, sleep unusually long, experience nightmares, snore or gasp during sleep, or feel excessively tired during the day.
A sleep diary can also help. Record bedtime, approximate time you fall asleep, nighttime awakenings, wake time, naps, daytime sleepiness, and symptoms such as headaches or pain.
Additionally, keep records of medical appointments, diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and medications.
Do Not Ignore a “Small” Symptom
A sleep problem may seem less important than a visible symptom, but it can provide important information about your recovery. If you experienced a head injury in a Kansas or Missouri crash or fall, report new or worsening sleep symptoms rather than assuming they will disappear on their own.
If you developed sleep problems after a Kansas or Missouri accident, do not dismiss them as unrelated or insignificant. Properly documenting these changes can help demonstrate the full impact of your TBI and support your claim for the medical care and compensation you may need.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If a Kansas or Missouri motor vehicle accident or slip and fall left you with a traumatic brain injury and sleep problems, our experienced brain injury counsel at Griggs Injury Law can help you understand your options. Contact us today to discuss your injuries and potential claim.
