Because of personal protective equipment and enhanced safety protocols, the number of many types of work-related injuries in the U.S. has declined in recent years. Unfortunately, that is not the cause with traumatic brain injuries, as work-related head trauma has spiked over the past decade.
If you suffer a TBI at work, you may experience a variety of symptoms, ranging from confusion to blurred vision and even memory loss. You may also have difficulty sleeping after a work-related TBI.
Why a TBI may cause sleeping problems
Insomnia, where it is difficult to fall or stay asleep, is a common TBI side effect you may experience long after sustaining a head injury.
If your TBI affects the part of your brain that controls your circadian rhythm, which is your normal sleep-wake cycle, your brain may not produce the neurotransmitters that are necessary for normal sleep.
What you may experience with TBI-related insomnia
If you have TBI-related insomnia, you are likely to experience the negative consequences that often accompany a lack of rest.
Without enough sleep, you may have trouble concentrating on your job duties or performing basic tasks. You may also have too much fatigue to enjoy social activities, hobbies and other activities that often make life worth living.
How you can return to normal
Recovering from insomnia due to a work-associated head injury may be more difficult than you think. Doctors often recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or prescribe sleep aids. Altering your diet to avoid caffeine and other stimulates may also help.
Ultimately, because insomnia treatments are usually expensive, applying for workers’ compensation benefits may allow you to focus on your recovery.