Ongoing daytime behavioural problems in university students following childhood mild traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Sleep is often disrupted in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may be related to persistent behaviour problems; however, little is known about this relationship in young adults. This study explored associations between TBI, behavioural problems and sleep disturbances in 247 university students (197 non-TBI, 47 mild TBI, two moderate TBI, one severe TBI) aged 18-25 years, who completed validated measures for behaviour, sleep quality and history of TBI. Because of small group numbers, participants reporting moderate to severe TBI were excluded from the analyses. Results indicated that students with mild TBI reported higher levels of daytime dysfunction, somatic complaints, withdrawal, other behavioural complaints and internalizing behaviours compared with students with no TBI history. A correlational analysis indicated a moderate relationship between the above significant variables. Our results suggest that university students with a history of mild TBI are more likely to experience certain ongoing daytime behavioural problems, which are likely to negatively influence their academic functioning in tertiary education. This study highlights the importance of research on long-term problems following mild TBI in young adults aged 18-25 years--an age group often overlooked within the literature.

Update on Insomnia after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

“…In a study of university students (18–25 years) with mTBI, sleep impairment led to increased daytime dysfunction along with lower levels of enthusiasm and energy in completing tasks. Participants also experienced behavioral problems which were moderately correlated with sleep-related daytime dysfunction in the forms of social withdrawal, poor relationships, clumsiness, and speech difficulties [57]. The consequences of poor sleep in these populations are particularly detrimental during a time when social integration, academic functioning, and development are critical.…”

Outcomes of Subjective Sleep–Wake Disturbances Twenty Years after Traumatic Brain Injury in Childhood

“…41,42 The PSQI is validated for sleep assessment in adults with TBI. [43][44][45] Insomnia. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to assess the nature and severity of insomnia in our sample.…”

Current State of the Literature on Psychological and Social Sequelae of Sports-Related Concussion in School-Aged Children and Adolescents

“…21 Although few sleep studies in SRC have been conducted, sleep difficulties have been associated with poorer functional, social, and emotional outcomes in the general pediatric mTBI literature. 52,53 Changes in a child's normal sleeping patterns following SRC may hinder recovery and worsen other symptoms and outcome. 15,54 In contrast to subjective report, findings regarding sleep disturbance from studies using actigraphy and polysomnography have been inconsistent within the pediatric mTBI literature.…”