Purpose of review: Present relevant literature to update knowledge on sleep science, identify common sleep disturbances seen in TBI, discuss evidence for available treatment options, and illuminate future areas for research.
Recent findings: Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, circadian rhythm disturbances, and sleep apnea, are prevalent for all severities of traumatic brain injury (TBI), can be chronic, and affect both rehabilitation and recovery from the TBI. New knowledge of basic sleep mechanisms and neurochemistry has exploded in the last decade. In addition to known effects on mood and cognition from sleep deprivation in persons with TBI, new evidence indicates potential deleterious effects on neurorecovery and acceleration of long-term neurodegeneration.
Keywords: Insomnia; Sleep-wake disturbance; Traumatic brain injury.