Sleep following traumatic brain injury (TBI): experiences and influencing factors.
Objective: This study aimed to 1) describe and explore the experiences of sleep following a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in community-dwelling adults, 2) elicit factors that positively or negatively impact the sleep experience, and 3) understand sleep-related education provided to survivors.Design: Qualitative description.Methods: Face-to-face interviews with 16 individuals using a semi-structured interview guide. Transcripts were systematically coded and common themes were identified. The final sample consisted of primarily Caucasian men with average age of 32.4 years (SD = 9.9), and average of 2.6 years (SD = .89) years post injury.Results: Community-dwelling survivors of TBI experienced poor sleep quality and quantity post-injury and described a variety of approaches to manage their sleep. Survivors described coping with sleep changes and using sleep as a coping mechanism for TBI. Additionally, survivors' responses indicated perceived lack of resources and preference for receiving education from knowledgeable, familiar clinicians during face-to-face encounters.Conclusions: This study provides a description of reported sleep experiences following TBI and adds new knowledge regarding sleep management strategies and preferences for resources. The findings suggest a need for education regarding sleep for rehabilitation professionals and long-term sleep support after discharge from rehabilitation.
['Mumbower|Rachael|R|0000-0002-5827-4229', 'Childs|Gwendolyn|G|0000-0002-1328-4239', 'Vance|David E|DE|0000-0002-0498-6263', 'Dreer|Laura E|LE|0000-0002-4728-5467', 'Novack|Thomas|T|0000-0003-3043-7900', 'Heaton|Karen|K|0000-0002-9532-1573']
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological D000328:Adult D000070642:Brain Injuries, Traumatic D005260:Female D006801:Humans D057187:Independent Living D007406:Interview, Psychological D008297:Male D012890:Sleep D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders
sleep Traumatic brain injury qualitative health education