Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
05:48
Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
10.5K
High Sleep Disturbance and Longer Concussion Duration in Repeat Concussions
Temitayo Oyefunmike Oyegbile1, Andrew Dougherty1, Sarah Tanveer2
1Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Behavioral Sleep Medicine
|February 21, 2019
Summary
Repeated concussions lead to longer recovery times and increased sleep disturbances. More concussions correlate with worse headaches, mood issues, and cognitive problems, especially when sleep is disturbed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- The impact of repeated concussions on sleep disturbance and recovery is not fully understood.
- Assessing postconcussive symptoms and cognitive function is crucial for understanding concussion outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sleep disturbance, concussion duration, and the number of concussions sustained.
- To examine how postconcussive symptoms and cognitive function are affected by repeated concussions and sleep issues.
Main Methods:
- Collected data on cognitive function and concussion symptoms from 430, 192, and 118 subjects after their 1st, 2nd, and 3+ concussions, respectively.
- A subset of 119 subjects were monitored longitudinally for concussion duration.
- Analyzed data using group comparisons, regression, and correlation, adjusting for age and gender.
Main Results:
- Sleep disturbance significantly increased with the number of concussions (1st: 2.56, 2nd: 3.65, 3+: 4.32).
- Concussion history predicted longer concussion duration (R²=0.20), with trouble falling asleep and sleeping less than usual being significant predictors (β=0.15 each).
- Higher sleep disturbance after repeated concussions correlated with increased headache and mood disturbance severity, and a stronger link to cognitive dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- A history of repeated concussions is associated with prolonged concussion duration and heightened sleep disturbance.
- Sleep disturbance in individuals with repeated concussions is linked to more severe headaches, mood disturbances, and cognitive deficits.
Related Concept Videos
02:26Ecological Disturbance
21.0K
An ecological disturbance is a temporary disruption in the environment resulting from abiotic, biotic, or anthropogenic factors, causing a pronounced change in an ecosystem. The impact of an ecological disturbance, which can depend on its intensity, frequency, and spatial distribution, plays a significant role in shaping the species diversity within the ecosystem.
21.0K
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
2.9K
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
2.9K
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
918
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
918
01:22Stages of Sleep
1.4K
Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
1.4K
01:11Understanding Sleep
1.5K
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
1.5K
01:21Sleep Apnea
531
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
The condition is more prevalent among...
531