SLEEP COMPLAINTS IN CHRONIC POSTCONCUSSION SYNDROME

This study was designed to identify the incidence of sleep complaints in 39 patients with chronic postconcussion syndrome compared to those of a control group of 27 patients with orthopedic injuries. Patients w ith orthopedic injuries were selected as a comparison group to control for the effects of traumatic injury or chronic pain. There were no di fferences in age, sex distribution, or time from injury be tween the p atient groups. Type and frequency of sleep disturbances in a mean two- year postinjury period were evaluated. Patients with chronic postconcu ssion syndrome reported more difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep at night and greater difficulty with sleepiness during the day.