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MEDTECH Could the quality of sleep be the cornerstone of concussion recovery and a harbinger of innovative treatment modalities?
The interplay between sleep and recovery following sports-related concussions is becoming increasingly recognized, with a new study revealing the positive correlation between sleep quality and concussion recovery.
Key Points:
- A study conducted by Flinders University showed improved sleep quality in patients eight weeks post-concussion, including longer sleep duration and efficiency, and extended deep sleep periods.
- The study involves evidence gathered from athletes who had sports-related concussions and participated in overnight sleep studies within a week and eight weeks post-concussion.
- Improvement in sleep was interpreted by researchers as the brain’s attempt to heal itself from concussion.
- Findings corroborate with previous animal studies indicating that enhanced sleep assists recovery from brain injury.
Additional Points:
- Sleep, especially deep sleep, is associated with neural plasticity and activation of the glymphatic system, which helps clear amyloid-β and τ-proteins, substances implicated in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
- A broader range of research is needed to further explore these findings and determine if sleep changes during concussion recovery result in alterations to other aspects of head trauma.
- Former South Austalian National Football League Women’s (SANFLW) player Maya Rigter retired due to concussions and highlighted the long-term consequences of this injury on her cognitive abilities and life in general.
Conclusion
- The link between sleep quality and concussion recovery signifies a potential direction for treatment strategies and underscores the clinical severity of concussions.
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“Little is known about sleep after a concussion, despite sleep arguably being the more important process to allow the brain to function optimally.”
Flinders University sleep researcher Dr. David Stevens
