The Dynamic Interaction Between Psychological Health and Sleep Symptoms Following Adolescent Concussion
Ross Moseley1, Patrick M Carry1, Catherine C Donahue1
1Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; Sports Medicine Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|August 31, 2025
Summary
Poor sleep quality is common after adolescent concussion and linked to worse mental health. Routine sleep and mental health checks during and after recovery can help prevent lasting psychological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Adolescent concussion can lead to persistent psychological symptoms and sleep disturbances.
- Understanding the trajectory of these symptoms is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess psychological symptoms and sleep quality at key recovery points after adolescent concussion.
- To identify associations between sleep quality and psychological health post-concussion.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a longitudinal study involving 72 adolescents with concussion.
- Utilized Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at symptomatic, symptom-resolution, and 2-month post-resolution visits.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of poor sleep quality (78% initially, 41% at 2 months post-resolution).
- Significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and sleep quality from symptomatic to resolved stages.
- Poor sleep quality correlated with higher anxiety and depression scores.
Conclusions:
- Poor sleep is prevalent and associated with psychological distress in adolescents post-concussion.
- Routine monitoring of sleep and mental health is recommended during and after concussion recovery to mitigate risks.
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