The Prevalence and Stability of Sleep-Wake Disturbance and Fatigue throughout the First Year after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

In this prospective, longitudinal study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and stability of sleep-wake disturbance (SWD) and fatigue in a large representative sample of patients (Trondheim mild traumatic brain injury [mTBI] follow-up study). We included 378 patients with mTBI (age 16-60), 82 matched trauma controls with orthopedic injuries, and 83 matched community controls. Increased sleep need, poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and fatigue were assessed at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after injury. Mixed logistic regression models were used to evaluate clinically relevant group differences longitudinally. Prevalence of increased sleep need, poor sleep quality, and fatigue was significantly higher in patients with mTBI than in both trauma controls and community controls at all time points. More patients with mTBI reported problems with excessive daytime sleepiness compared to trauma controls, but not community controls, at all time points. Patients with complicated mTBI (intracranial findings on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) had more fatigue problems compared to those with uncomplicated mTBI, at all three time points. In patients with mTBI who experienced SWDs and fatigue 2 weeks after injury, around half still had problems at 3 months and approximately one third at 12 months. Interestingly, we observed limited overlap between the different symptom measures; a large number of patients reported one specific problem with SWD or fatigue rather than several problems. In conclusion, our results provide strong evidence that mTBI contributes significantly to the development and maintenance of SWDs and fatigue.

Genetic inactivation of SARM1 axon degeneration pathway improves outcome trajectory after experimental traumatic brain injury based on pathological, radiological, and functional measures

“…6 ). Sleep disorders are common in patients with chronic TBI and sleep patterns may contribute to neurodegeneration, particularly white matter degeneration [ 2 , 66 , 75 ]. Sleep data was analyzed for Sarm1 WT and Sarm1 KO mice during two light/dark cycles.…”

Genetic inactivation of SARM1 axon degeneration pathway improves outcome trajectory after experimental traumatic brain injury based on pathological, radiological, and functional measures

“…Sleep behavior was selected in place of social interaction as a highly translational assessment for post-traumatic neurodegeneration (Figure 6). Sleep disorders are common in patients with chronic TBI and sleep patterns may contribute to neurodegeneration, particularly white matter degeneration [2, 63, 72]. Sleep data was analyzed for Sarm1 WT and Sarm1 KO mice during two light/dark cycles.…”

Associations between Sleep and Work-Related Cognitive and Emotional Functioning in Police Employees

“…Lastly, the present study did not account for past accidents or trauma, psychosocial work factors, or mental or physical illnesses that could have influenced the results. For example, head trauma or anxiety can contribute to sleep disturbances as well as cognitive and emotional impairment [ 55 , 56 ]. However, a serious degree of any illness or trauma would have made the police employees ineligible to perform most tasks in this occupation.…”