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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Sleeping Safe After A Concussion?

I was just in a car accident today and went to the hospital around 2pm. I ended up having a concussion, the doctor said not to sleep for 24 hours. I am about to fall asleep and i was wondering, is it okay to sleep now for a few hours? I am a female, 22 years old, 5'1 and about 140 pounds.
Thu, 7 Jul 2016
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Neurologist, Surgical,  's  Response
Hello. Thanks for asking from HCM.


I can understand your concern. You can sleep for few hours after concussion. But do not take drugs which can cause sedation or which induces sleep. Doctor is right in saying that do not take sleep for few hours. but it is not necessary that the interval should be 24 hours. As waking up for so many hours can give rise to headache and restlessness.

You can observe yourself for persistent headache, vomiting, progressively decreasing consciousness, fits. If you or your family member notices any of above sign, consult ER as soon as possible. Meanwhile at home you can follow few tips to relieve symptoms of concussion

: Apply icepacks at injury site
: Avoid pressure at injury site
: You can take painkiller like Diclofenac sodium after proper prescription
: Turn head to side in case of vomiting

Hope it will help you.
Thanks. Take care.
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Ralph Chambers's  Response
Hello

If you had a normal ct scan of your brain then I see no risk with falling asleep but it would be a good idea to have someone with you who could wake you up about every hour for the next six hours
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Is Sleeping Safe After A Concussion?

Hello. Thanks for asking from HCM. I can understand your concern. You can sleep for few hours after concussion. But do not take drugs which can cause sedation or which induces sleep. Doctor is right in saying that do not take sleep for few hours. but it is not necessary that the interval should be 24 hours. As waking up for so many hours can give rise to headache and restlessness. You can observe yourself for persistent headache, vomiting, progressively decreasing consciousness, fits. If you or your family member notices any of above sign, consult ER as soon as possible. Meanwhile at home you can follow few tips to relieve symptoms of concussion : Apply icepacks at injury site : Avoid pressure at injury site : You can take painkiller like Diclofenac sodium after proper prescription : Turn head to side in case of vomiting Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.