A new study published in Neurology has discovered a possible link between healthy sleep patterns a faster recovery from brain injuries. If the findings are confirmed by future studies, it could affect how hospitals treat brain injury patients. This is because hospitals could use specific methods to help patients restore normal sleep patterns.

The study’s author had previous experience with brain injury patients during her time as a neuropsychology resident. She remembers watching brain injury patients have issues falling asleep at night and staying awake during the day. Memories of her residency are responsible for the idea behind this study – that sleep patterns affect brain injury recovery.

Researchers analyzed 30 patients hospitalized with moderate to severe brain injuries. Most had been involved in car accidents. The cognitive function and level of consciousness of patients were tested at two to four weeks after the injuries occurred. Patients involved in the study also wore wrist devices that signaled when they were asleep or awake.

According to results from these tests, brain function and sleep patterns improved at the same time. As patients slept better, their level of consciousness improved. Future studies will analyze the strength of this relationship.

Why Are Studies on Brain Injury Recovery Important?

This study and others like it may change how hospitals treat brain injuries. Future studies on brain injury recovery and sleep may examine how hospital environments affect the sleep quality of brain injury patients.

For example, hospitals could develop ways to minimize lighting and noises at nighttime. In addition, health care professionals could prescribe medications that make it easier to induce sleep.

People who have suffered brain injuries need every little bit of help possible to improve their chances of recovery. Studies on brain injury recovery can lead to short and long-term benefits for patients and their families.