Sleep difficulties and their impact on recovery following mild traumatic brain injury in children. (23rd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Theadom, Alice; Starkey, Nicola; Jones, Kelly; Cropley, Mark; Parmar, Priya; Barker-Collo, Suzanne; Feigin, Valery L.
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 30:Number 10(2016)
• Page Start: 1243
• Page End: 1248
• Publication Date: 2016-08-23
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- traumatic brain injury -- sleep -- longitudinal -- children; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2016.1183171
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

Abstract: Objective : To determine the frequency of sleep difficulties in children following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) over time and explore the role of sleep on recovery and behaviour. Methods : Longitudinal study of 109 children aged between 8–16 years who had experienced a mild TBI, with an embedded case control study. Parents completed assessments of the child's sleep quality, symptoms and behaviour at baseline, 1, 6 and 12 months post-injury. Regression analyses explored the impact of poor sleep on 12-month outcomes. Healthy control children were assessed at one time point for comparison to determine the longer-term impact of brain injury on sleep. Results : The number of children experiencing poor sleep quality peaked 1-month post-injury (39%), reducing to 28% 12-months post-injury. Poor sleep quality at 1-month was associated with increased frequency and severity of symptoms and poorer behavioural outcomes 1 year post-TBI. Cases with TBI were significantly more likely to have sleep difficulties 1-year post-injury than controls (Odds ratio = 3.09). Conclusions : Sleep difficulties are common following mild TBI in children and are predictive of longer-term outcomes. Identifying children with sleep difficulties post-injury and providing support to facilitate sleep may improve their longer-term functioning.