Sleep after TBI: How the TBI Model Systems have advanced the field

Identification and management of comorbidities in TBI has become an increasing focus for optimizing TBI outcomes. Recent meta-analyses highlight sleep disturbance and sleep disorders following TBI (Mathias & Alvaro, 2012). Improving the recognition and treatment of sleep disorders in TBI should be a central focus of rehabilitation. The Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) has created an infrastructure allowing multi-center investigations into sleep dysfunction in those who have had a moderate to severe TBI and received inpatient rehabilitation.

This paper will describe the 1) infrastructure used to advance sleep dysfunction/disorders research following TBI, 2) preliminary findings from these studies, and 3) repository of data which can be accessed for secondary analyses by investigators outside of the TBIMS infrastructure.

Two internal mechanisms allow investigators at TBIMS sites to collaborate on projects of shared interest: Research Modules and Special Interest Groups (SIG).

To date, five studies have resulted from the TBIMS collaborative process focusing on insomnia, circadian disruption, and sleep apnea.

Future directions for the SIG include continued development of available knowledge and understanding of the multidimensional factors that contribute to TBI-related sleep disturbance, optimal assessment tools, effectiveness of available treatments, and treatment compliance in this population.