HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Are Daily Afternoon Naps Necessary To Assuage Symptoms Of Post Concussion Syndrome?

default
Posted on Tue, 15 Feb 2022
Question: Is there any way he could provide me with a note indicating that daily afternoon naps are necessary to assuage the symptoms of my post-concussive syndrome?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Post concussion issue and sleep

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Regarding your question about post-concussion syndrome:
People with the post-concussion syndrome can experience sleep issues even years after the trauma. Quality of sleep during night time can become greatly reduced which causes daytime tiredness, drowsiness and need for daytime naps. It is important to take the nap if you are experiencing tiredness during the daytime.

However, please be advised not to extend afternoon nap beyond 30 minutes so that your night time sleep is not affected much. Conducting a sleep study if possible can assess the quality of sleep you are having. If your sleep is found to be disturbed during sleep study, then appropriate management to improve sleep can be initiated.

Hope this answers your query
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr. Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (6 hours later)
Dr. Lekshmi,
Thank you for the response. I hate to complicate matters, but in the interest of accuracy, I must add that I am a night worker, and have been for approximately 19 years. Additionally, I have suffered from insomnia for as long as I can remember. As the result of extensive experimentation with my sleep, what I have found works best is sleeping 4 hours after work (4am til about 8am), and then another 4 hours right before work (about noon til 4pm). If I miss my afternoon nap, I am missing out on a lot more than 30 minutes of sleep. This is why it is particularly crucial that I not be pressured to change one of my shifts to an afternoon. Consistency is key to a sleep schedule that works for both my insomnia and my post-concussive symptoms.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Make sure that you get at least 8 hours of sleep

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It is very important to have at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per day. However, I believe that working around your schedule, it may be difficult for you to do so.
If so, you need to take the 4 hour afternoon sleep. You can discuss these issues with your employer. Since you are suffering from post-concussion syndrome it can be extremely difficult for you to make changes in your routine work and sleep pattern.
So, it is best to continue your current daily routine.

Bests
Dr. Lekshmi
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Are Daily Afternoon Naps Necessary To Assuage Symptoms Of Post Concussion Syndrome?

Brief Answer: Post concussion issue and sleep Detailed Answer: Hello, Regarding your question about post-concussion syndrome: People with the post-concussion syndrome can experience sleep issues even years after the trauma. Quality of sleep during night time can become greatly reduced which causes daytime tiredness, drowsiness and need for daytime naps. It is important to take the nap if you are experiencing tiredness during the daytime. However, please be advised not to extend afternoon nap beyond 30 minutes so that your night time sleep is not affected much. Conducting a sleep study if possible can assess the quality of sleep you are having. If your sleep is found to be disturbed during sleep study, then appropriate management to improve sleep can be initiated. Hope this answers your query Please let me know if you need further clarification Regards Dr. Lekshmi