Sleep following traumatic brain injury (TBI): experiences and influencing factors

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to 1) describe and explore the experiences of sleep following a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in community-dwelling adults, 2) elicit factors that positively or negatively impact the sleep experience, and 3) understand sleep-related education provided to survivors.

Design: Qualitative description.

Methods: Face-to-face interviews with 16 individuals using a semi-structured interview guide. Transcripts were systematically coded and common themes were identified. The final sample consisted of primarily Caucasian men with average age of 32.4 years (SD = 9.9), and average of 2.6 years (SD = .89) years post injury.

Results: Community-dwelling survivors of TBI experienced poor sleep quality and quantity post-injury and described a variety of approaches to manage their sleep. Survivors described coping with sleep changes and using sleep as a coping mechanism for TBI. Additionally, survivors’ responses indicated perceived lack of resources and preference for receiving education from knowledgeable, familiar clinicians during face-to-face encounters.

Conclusions: This study provides a description of reported sleep experiences following TBI and adds new knowledge regarding sleep management strategies and preferences for resources. The findings suggest a need for education regarding sleep for rehabilitation professionals and long-term sleep support after discharge from rehabilitation.

KEYWORDS:

• Traumatic brain injury
• sleep
• health education
• qualitative

Acknowledgments

We thank the survivors of TBI for sharing their experiences.

Declaration of Interest Statement

Authors report no conflict of interest.