Assessment of sleep after traumatic brain injury (TBI)

BACKGROUND: Individuals who have sustained a TBI often present with complaints of disturbed sleep. Identifying sleep disorders in the TBI population has not been standardized. Much of the confusion may come from the heterogeneity of the research that has been conducted on sleep problems after traumatic brain injury. This review focused attention to current research findings in order to develop an evidenced-based approach to assessment of sleep disturbances within this unique population. OBJECTIVES: To review various methods used in the assessment of disorders of sleep after TBI and offer recommendations for best approaches for clinical assessment of sleep. METHODS: The authors describe various methods such as history, questionnaires, physical examination and objective sleep measurement, their usefulness and limitations based on the available evidence and experience for assessment of sleep in individuals who have sustained a TBI. RESULTS: An evidence-driven method for the assessment of sleep disorders following TBI is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Through skilled assessment, clinicians can assess sleep following TBI and the most applicable interventions can be chosen with the hopes of reducing additional symptom burden and optimizing functioning.