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A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Sleep following sport-related concussions
Nadia Gosselin1, Maryse Lassonde, Dominique Petit
1Research Center on Sleep and Biological Rhythms, Sacre-Coeur Hospital, 5400 boul. Gouin Ouest, Montreal, Que., Canada.
Sleep Medicine
|January 30, 2008
Summary
Sport-related concussions may not disrupt objective sleep quality, but can affect brain activity during wakefulness. Athletes with concussions reported worse sleep and showed altered EEG patterns, suggesting vigilance issues rather than sleep disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Sleep and vigilance disturbances are common post-concussion symptoms.
- Investigating the impact of sport-related concussions on sleep is crucial for athlete recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of sport-related concussions on subjective and objective sleep quality.
- To differentiate between sleep disturbances and wakefulness problems following concussion.
Main Methods:
- Study included 10 concussed athletes and 11 non-concussed controls.
- Objective sleep quality was assessed via polysomnography over two nights.
- Subjective sleep, symptoms, and cognitive function were evaluated using questionnaires and neuropsychological tests.
Main Results:
- Concussed athletes reported poorer subjective sleep quality and more symptoms than controls.
- No significant differences were found in objective polysomnographic sleep measures (REM, NREM EEG).
- Concussed athletes exhibited increased delta and decreased alpha activity during wakefulness EEG.
Conclusions:
- Sport-related concussions are associated with subjective sleep complaints but not objective sleep changes.
- Altered EEG activity during wakefulness suggests vigilance impairments post-concussion.
- Findings indicate that concussions may lead to wakefulness problems rather than primary sleep disturbances.
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