Sleep and Concussions: What Every Parent Should Know

Medically reviewed by Jacqueline Turner, MSN, APRN-NP, FNP-BC

A concussion can be scary — and once the initial worry passes, a new set of questions usually shows up around bedtime. Is it safe to let my child sleep? Should I wake them up to check on them? Why are they suddenly sleeping so much (or so little)? Here's what parents and caregivers need to know about sleep after a concussion.

Is it safe for my child to sleep after a concussion?

Yes. For years, families were told to wake a child every few hours after a head injury to make sure they were "okay." That advice has changed. Once your child has been evaluated by a medical provider and a concussion has been diagnosed, sleep is considered safe, and it's actually an important part of healing. Unless your child's doctor specifically tells you otherwise, let them sleep without interruption. 

The exception: if your child hasn't yet been seen by a medical provider, or if a doctor has flagged specific warning signs to watch for, follow their individual instructions. 

Why is my child sleeping so much?

It's common for kids to feel unusually tired or drowsy during the day in the first few days after a concussion. The brain uses a significant amount of energy to repair itself after injury, and rest supports that process. Extra sleep in the first day or two isn't a red flag on its own. 

How much sleep does my child actually need?

It is recommended that getting about 8-10 hours of sleep per night in the first week after injury will help with recovery. Naps in the first day or two after a concussion are okay, but too much daytime sleep can throw off the nighttime sleep schedule and may actually slow recovery. If your child wants to nap, keep it short, and try to protect their regular bedtime and wake time as much as possible. 

Aim for consistent, adequate nighttime sleep rather than long or frequent daytime naps once your child is a few days out from the injury. 

What if my child can't fall asleep or keeps waking up?

Sleep disturbances, like trouble falling asleep, restless nights or up waking frequently, are common after a concussion and are one of the stronger predictors of a longer recovery. Here are a few strategies that can help once your child is past the first few days: 

• Keep a consistent schedule. Similar bedtime and wake time every day, including weekends (within about an hour).
• Don't force it. If your child isn't sleepy at bedtime or is having trouble falling asleep after getting in bed, have them do something quiet and non-stimulating out of bed— reading, soft music — rather than lying awake frustrated.
• Screens out of the bedroom. Save texting, videos and games for another room if your child is having trouble winding down.  

If sleep problems persist beyond the first couple of weeks, Lurie Children's Sleep Medicine Center can help identify what's going on and build a plan to get your child back on track.

When should I call the doctor? 

Every child's recovery timeline is different, and your child's care team can help build a plan tailored to the injury and how your child is responding. But reach out to your child's healthcare provider if: 

• Sleep problems are getting worse instead of better after the first week or two
• Your child is difficult to wake up or seems unusually confused when they do wake
• Other concussion symptoms (headache, dizziness, mood changes, trouble concentrating) aren't improving alongside sleep issues
• You're unsure whether your child's sleep pattern is part of normal recovery  

Sleep isn't something to fear after a concussion, it's one of the most helpful tools for recovery. Protect good nighttime sleep, go easy on long naps after the first couple of days, and keep your child's medical team in the loop if sleep problems linger. 

Learn more about our Pediatric Concussion Program

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