If you or someone you care about has had a head injury, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to do next, especially when it comes to sleep. You may have heard that people with concussions should stay awake, but that advice is outdated.
Yes, in most cases, you can sleep after a concussion. Rest is part of the healing process, and good sleep can help your brain recover. But there are a few things to keep in mind, including when to seek medical help and what symptoms to watch for.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It happens when a bump, blow, jolt to the head, or even a hit to the body, causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. That sudden movement can interfere with how the brain works, even if the injury seems minor.
Some people lose consciousness, but most don’t. Concussions are common in car accidents, falls, sports, and daily life. They often don’t show up on routine imaging tests, so it’s important to focus on the symptoms.
Common Signs of a Concussion
Symptoms might show up right away, or take a few hours or days to appear. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred or double vision
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Low energy
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood changes, like irritability or sadness
- Confusion or slowed responses
Everyone’s experience can be different, especially between kids and adults.
Is It Safe to Sleep With a Concussion?
Yes, if a doctor has evaluated a person and there are no red-flag symptoms, sleep is not only safe, but recommended.
In the past, people were told to wake up someone with a concussion every hour. But rest is now known to support healing, and waking someone up can interfere with that. If the person is alert, speaking normally, and can walk or move without issue, sleep can help the brain recover.
When Should You Not Sleep After a Concussion?
In some cases, it’s safer to stay awake until a doctor gives the okay. A person with a concussion should avoid sleep if they:
- Can’t stay awake or are unusually drowsy
- Have slurred speech
- Don’t recognize familiar people or surroundings
- Have one pupil larger than the other
- Are vomiting repeatedly
- Have a seizure or convulsion
- Become more confused or irritable
- Have trouble walking or moving normally
- Have clear fluid coming from the nose or ears
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or are seeing them in a loved one, seek medical attention right away.
Does a Concussion Lead to a Coma?
Most concussions do not lead to coma. A coma is a deeper, more serious state of unconsciousness, usually caused by bleeding, swelling, or more severe trauma. A mild concussion rarely progresses this far.
However, a second injury during recovery or a missed diagnosis could increase the risk of complications. That’s why early care and follow-up are important.
Tips for Sleeping After a Concussion
Once you’ve been checked by a healthcare provider, try these gentle strategies to support better sleep:
- Stick to a routine: Wake up and go to bed at the same time daily
- Skip screens before bed: Phones and TVs can interrupt melatonin
- Keep your room calm: Make it quiet, dark, and cool
- Limit caffeine: Especially after midday
- Avoid intense activity: Give your brain time to rest
- Wind down early: Try deep breathing or light stretching
Sleep may be harder right after a concussion, but building a restful routine can support healing.
When to Reach Out for Help
If symptoms aren’t improving, or if they get worse, talk to a healthcare provider. New or returning issues like headaches, memory problems, or poor sleep could be signs of post-concussion syndrome.
It’s also important to know when it’s okay to return to work, school, or physical activity. Concussion clinics can guide you through this and create a recovery plan that works with your daily life.
In-Office Treatments for Concussions
We provide in-office treatment guided by Shift Concussion Management protocols. Care often begins with a thorough assessment and may include neurocognitive testing, balance and exercise therapy, vestibular and visual rehabilitation, and manual physiotherapy techniques. These treatments are designed to help reduce symptoms, restore function, and support a safe return to daily activities
Concussion Care Tailored to You
If you or someone you love has had a concussion, don’t ignore the signs. Early care, rest, and support can make a big difference. Sleep is not dangerous in most cases, and it’s often part of the recovery. But it’s important to know when rest is safe and when to seek help.
At Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare, we offer personalized, evidence-informed care to support your healing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our team can help you recover safely and get back to doing what you love. Book an appointment today.
