If you’ve ever suffered a concussion, or cared for someone who has, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Don’t let them fall asleep!” This warning has been passed around for decades, often delivered with urgency and concern. But can you sleep with a concussion, and does it actually make the injury worse? Or is this just a myth? Does sleeping after a concussion actually make the injury worse, or is this just a myth?
At Moore MyoWorx, we specialize in treating the root causes of post-concussion symptoms, and we’ve seen firsthand how misinformation can prolong suffering and delay healing. In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind concussions and sleep, clearing up common misconceptions and highlighting what the latest research tells us. We’ll explore why the “no sleep” myth persists, when it might have made sense in the past, and how current medical guidelines have evolved. Most importantly, we’ll provide practical advice on concussion sleep protocol, including when and how to rest
Can You Go to Sleep After Hitting Your Head?
So, can you sleep after hitting your head? The short answer is: yes, in most cases, it is safe to sleep after a concussion, but there are important exceptions and precautions to consider.
First, it’s essential to assess the severity of the injury. If a person has lost consciousness, is vomiting repeatedly, has difficulty staying awake, exhibits slurred speech, unequal pupil sizes, seizures, or shows signs of confusion or agitation, these are red flags that require immediate medical attention. In such cases, going to sleep after hitting head should not be the next step. Instead, prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider is critical.
However, if the head injury is mild and the person is alert, oriented, and able to communicate clearly, can you go to sleep with a concussion? Yes, sleep is generally considered safe. In fact, rest, including sleep, is one of the most important components of the body’s natural healing process. Once a medical professional has ruled out serious complications like a skull fracture or brain bleed, allowing the brain to rest can be beneficial rather than harmful.
It’s also worth noting that after a mild concussion, the injured person may feel unusually tired. This is a natural response as the brain begins to recover. Forcing someone to stay awake in this state can increase discomfort, irritability, and other symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.
When Can You Sleep After a Concussion?
After a concussion or mild head injury, one of the most important questions is not just whether you can sleep, but when it’s safe to do so. While rest is a crucial part of recovery, the first 1 to 2 hours after the injury are essential for observation. During this short window, the goal is to watch for any signs of a more serious brain injury that may require immediate medical intervention.
The reason for the delay isn’t because sleeping after concussion is inherently dangerous. It’s because sleep can mask emerging symptoms of a more serious issue, like a brain bleed. Once those concerns are ruled out through observation (or medical imaging if needed), sleep after concussion becomes a critical part of the healing process, helping reduce inflammation, manage fatigue, and promote cellular repair in the brain.
For those caring for someone with a concussion, this initial observation period can feel nerve-wracking. Gently engage with the person during this time by asking basic questions, checking for normal responsiveness, and noting any unusual symptoms.
In summary, wait 1 to 2 hours after the injury for careful observation, then allow the person to sleep if no concerning symptoms develop. This timing window strikes the balance between caution and comfort, supporting both safety and recovery.
Can a Baby Sleep After Hitting Their Head?
It’s a parent’s instinct to worry when a baby bumps their head, especially if the child seems tired afterward. The good news is that in most cases, it is safe for a baby to sleep after a minor head injury, provided they are carefully observed beforehand. Babies, especially infants and toddlers, naturally sleep more than adults, so distinguishing between normal drowsiness and something more serious can be tricky. That’s why understanding what to look for during the first few hours after the injury is so important.
The first 1 to 2 hours following a head bump should be used to observe the baby’s behavior. During this time, monitor for any of the following signs:
- Unusual fussiness or inconsolable crying
- Difficulty waking up or extreme lethargy
- Vomiting more than once
- Unequal pupil size or unusual eye movements
- Weakness in limbs or poor coordination
- Seizures or twitching
- Changes in breathing pattern
If your baby exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation right away. On the other hand, if your child calms down after a short period, eats normally, interacts as usual, and has no visible signs of trauma (like swelling or bruising), it is typically safe to let them sleep.
If you’re ever in doubt, consult your pediatrician or an urgent care provider. Some doctors may advise gently waking the baby every few hours through the first night just to check for normal responsiveness. This can be done by gently picking them up, observing if they stir or open their eyes, and noting if they return to sleep peacefully. If they are difficult to wake or appear unusually limp, seek help immediately.
How Long After Hitting the Head Should a Child Stay Awake?
While children are generally resilient, it’s important to observe them for at least 1 to 2 hours before allowing them to sleep, just as you would with an adult. This observation period gives you time to identify any delayed-onset symptoms of a more serious brain injury.
Debunking the Myth: Why Shouldn’t You Sleep with a Concussion?
The idea that someone with a concussion should not be allowed to sleep has been passed down for generations. You’ve probably heard it from a worried parent, coach, or even in movies: “If they fall asleep, they might never wake up.” While this warning sounds serious, and was once given with the best intentions, it is now largely outdated.
This myth originated in an era before advanced medical imaging was widely available. In the early to mid-20th century, doctors and caregivers had limited tools to diagnose brain injuries. Without CT scans or MRIs, the safest course of action was to keep the injured person awake to monitor their neurological status. If a person with a head injury lost consciousness, it could be difficult to distinguish between natural sleep and a life-threatening condition like a brain bleed. Staying awake allowed observers to detect deteriorating symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness in real time.
In those days, erring on the side of caution made sense. But today, with our deeper understanding of brain injuries and access to modern diagnostics, we know that sleep itself doesn’t cause harm; it’s unrecognized complications, such as intracranial bleeding or swelling, that pose the real danger. Once a serious condition has been ruled out, allowing the brain to rest through sleep is not only safe, it’s encouraged.
Yet the myth persists, largely because of how powerful and frightening the idea is. Telling someone “don’t let them sleep” feels actionable in a moment of panic. But modern concussion care is rooted in science, not fear. When in doubt, get the injury evaluated by a medical professional. If they give the all-clear, sleep becomes an important part of recovery.
Can You Die from a Concussion While Sleeping?
This question stems from the same myth that sleep after a concussion is inherently dangerous. The short answer is: not if the concussion is mild and properly evaluated. Death during sleep after a head injury is rare and typically results from unrecognized, severe trauma like a brain hemorrhage or swelling, not from the act of sleeping itself.
How Concussions Affect Sleep: Common Sleep Disruptions
Sleep disturbances are among the most common and frustrating symptoms following a concussion. Whether you’re feeling excessively sleepy or struggling to fall and stay asleep, changes in sleep patterns are a hallmark of how the brain reacts to trauma. These disruptions can occur immediately after the injury or appear days or even weeks later, depending on the individual and the severity of the concussion.
At Moore MyoWorx, we often see sleep disruption as a major contributor to prolonged concussion symptoms. That’s why we focus on treating the underlying physiological factors that affect the nervous system, including muscular and vascular tension that can interfere with the brain’s ability to rest and recover.
Feeling Sleepy After Hitting Your Head
Being sleepy after hitting head is a common response to energy depletion. This might lead to sleeping a lot after a concussion, which can be normal. Excessive sleepiness, also known as hypersomnia, is frequently reported in the hours and days following a concussion. While this can be alarming, it’s typically a normal part of the recovery process.
After a concussion, the brain’s normal activity is disrupted. Neurons are temporarily damaged, and the brain uses more energy to perform basic functions. This creates what’s known as a “metabolic energy crisis,” during which the brain is starved of the energy it needs to function efficiently. As a result, the body compensates by demanding more rest, especially in the form of sleep.
You might find yourself sleeping longer at night, taking more naps during the day, or feeling unable to stay awake even after a full night’s rest. This excessive tiredness can be accompanied by cognitive symptoms such as brain fog, slow thinking, or difficulty concentrating. In many cases, these symptoms improve with adequate rest over the course of days or weeks.
However, not all sleepiness should be ignored. If the drowsiness is severe, sudden, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like slurred speech, vomiting, or confusion, it could be a sign of a more serious brain injury and should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.
In some cases, lingering sleepiness may indicate post-concussion syndrome, a condition where symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery window. At Moore MyoWorx, we specialize in identifying and treating these lingering effects by addressing underlying physical imbalances that may be disrupting your nervous system and brain function.
Concussion Insomnia
While some people feel overwhelmingly sleepy after a concussion, others find themselves facing the opposite problem: insomnia. Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early despite feeling exhausted are all common experiences after a head injury.
This happens because a concussion can interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. The injury may affect the hypothalamus, brainstem, or other areas responsible for releasing hormones like melatonin and cortisol, which are key players in managing sleep. The result? A body that desperately needs rest but can’t quite access it.
Poor sleep slows recovery, and the longer recovery drags on, the more anxiety and symptoms build, further disturbing rest. This is why addressing post-concussion insomnia is crucial not just for comfort, but for recovery itself.
If sleep problems persist beyond a couple of weeks, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. Concussion-related insomnia is common, but it’s not something you have to live with indefinitely. With the right treatment and support, normal sleep can return, and so can healing.
How to Sleep with a Concussion: Best Practices and Protocols
So what can you do to ensure that your sleep supports your brain’s healing process? Below are two essential areas to focus on: safe sleep habits and ideal sleeping positions.
Do’s and Don’ts for Sleeping Safely
Do’s:
✅ DO follow the observation window.
Before heading to bed, ensure the first 1–2 hours post-injury have passed without any worsening symptoms like confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness.
✅ DO create a calming environment.
Minimize light and noise, and keep your sleep space cool and comfortable. Avoid screens, bright lights, and stimulating activities for at least an hour before bed.
✅ DO maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends. This supports circadian rhythm regulation, which can be disrupted post-concussion.
✅ DO track your symptoms.
Keep a log of how you feel before bed and upon waking. Note headaches, dizziness, or new symptoms. If you experience any concerning changes overnight, contact a healthcare professional.
✅ DO ask someone to check on you.
If you’re concerned, have a loved one lightly rouse you once or twice during the night to ensure you respond normally, especially within the first 24 hours.
Don’ts:
❌ DON’T ignore red flags.
If you experience confusion, slurred speech, worsening headache, or vomiting before sleep, seek medical attention immediately.
❌ DON’T rely on sleep aids.
Avoid melatonin, sleeping pills, or alcohol unless specifically cleared by your doctor. These substances can interfere with brain function and mask symptoms.
❌ DON’T oversleep.
While sleep is essential, excessive time in bed, especially without movement, can lead to stiffness, brain fog, or disrupted sleep cycles. Listen to your body but keep a healthy routine.
❌ DON’T isolate completely.
While rest is key, complete isolation in a dark room all day can worsen symptoms. Gradually introduce light movement and quiet activities during the day.
Best Position to Sleep with a Concussion
Choosing the right sleep position after a concussion may seem like a small detail, but it can have a noticeable impact on symptom relief and recovery. Certain positions support better blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and prevent added pressure on the head or neck, all of which can influence your comfort and healing.
Best Overall Position: Sleeping on Your Back (Supine)
Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated (using one or two pillows) is generally the most recommended position. It helps reduce pressure on the head and neck, promotes spinal alignment, and can aid in minimizing headaches and sinus congestion, which are both common post-concussion symptoms. Elevation can also help regulate intracranial pressure if you’re feeling “full-headed” or foggy.
Side Sleeping: An Acceptable Alternative
If back-sleeping isn’t comfortable or natural for you, sleeping on your side is also safe, as long as you avoid lying on the side where the impact occurred. Use a supportive pillow to keep your head level with your spine and prevent your neck from bending awkwardly. A pillow between your knees can help maintain spinal alignment and reduce lower body tension.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach
Stomach sleeping is the least ideal position after a concussion. It places strain on the neck and may interfere with normal breathing patterns. Turning your head to the side all night can also worsen headaches and muscular tension in the neck and upper back, which are often affected by concussive injuries.
Supportive Pillows Matter
Consider using a cervical-support pillow that cradles the neck and supports the natural curvature of the spine. Proper pillow height and firmness can make a big difference in reducing muscle tension and allowing the brain and body to fully relax.
Final Tips:
- Make sure your mattress provides adequate support.
- Avoid excessive pillow stacking, which can push your neck into an unnatural position.
- If you’re experiencing nausea or dizziness, sleeping slightly propped up can help reduce symptoms.
In summary, back or side sleeping with good support is the best positioning after a concussion, while stomach sleeping should be avoided. Small changes in positioning can go a long way in supporting a more restful, healing sleep.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Sleep Issues After Concussion
In the first 24 to 48 hours after a concussion, it’s important to be especially vigilant. During this window, your brain is more vulnerable, and symptoms can develop rapidly. If you or someone you’re caring for is having trouble staying awake, is difficult to rouse, or displays increasing confusion or irritability, seek immediate medical care. These signs could point to a more serious brain injury, such as a hematoma or swelling.
Beyond the initial observation period, watch for ongoing or worsening sleep problems. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early that continues for more than 7–10 days may indicate something beyond typical post-concussion symptoms. Likewise, if you feel more tired after sleeping than before, or you’re sleeping excessively but not feeling rested, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.
For children and adolescents, changes in sleep behavior such as excessive napping, crankiness, or sleeping much more or less than usual should also be discussed with a pediatrician.
At Moore MyoWorx, we understand how sleep and brain function are deeply connected. If left unaddressed, sleep problems can prolong recovery or even evolve into chronic post-concussion syndrome. Fortunately, early intervention can make a significant difference.
Final Thoughts: Can You Sleep with a Concussion Safely?
The long-standing belief that you should never sleep after a concussion has caused unnecessary anxiety for decades. But as modern science and clinical experience have shown, sleep is not only safe in most concussion cases, it’s vital for healing. Once the critical first few hours have passed and serious complications are ruled out by a medical professional, rest becomes one of the most effective tools your brain has for recovery.
Let your brain rest. Let your body heal. And remember, when in doubt, always check in with a healthcare provider.
At Moore MyoWorx, we emphasize a holistic approach to concussion recovery, one that recognizes sleep not as a risk, but as a necessary part of restoring nervous system balance. That includes proper sleep hygiene, optimal sleep positioning, and personalized care for lingering issues like insomnia or persistent fatigue.
Still have questions about concussion sleep and long-term recovery? Our team at Moore MyoWorx is here to help guide you every step of the way.
