Authors

  1. Chen, Pin-Yuan MD, PhD
  2. Tsai, Pei-Shan PhD, RN
  3. Chen, Ning-Hung MD
  4. Chaung, Li-Pang MD
  5. Lee, Cheng-Chi MD
  6. Chen, Ching-Chang MD
  7. Chiu, Hsiao-Ting BS
  8. Lu, Yu-Jen MD
  9. Wei, Kuo-Chen MD
  10. Chiu, Hsiao-Yean PhD, RN

Abstract

Objectives: To examine how sleep patterns change over the first year following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to determine whether specific demographic and disease characteristics predict the trajectories of sleep.

 

Design: Prospective study.

 

Participants: Fifty-three patients with first-ever mild to severe TBI.

 

Main Measurements: Sleep measured by actigraphy for 7 consecutive days in the first, third, sixth, and twelfth months following TBI: Chinese versions of Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory-II (CBDI-II) measured at the same time points. Data were analyzed with a linear mixed model.

 

Results: Sleep efficiency (the ratio of sleep time to the total time spent in bed) showed a significant upward trend during the study period. Scores on the Chinese version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the CBDI-II as well as the use of analgesics significantly predicted the slope of change in sleep efficiency over time.

 

Conclusions: Poor sleep efficiency is a common symptom in the first year among patients with first-ever TBI. Healthcare providers should consider both mental health and pain issues when dealing with sleep complaints in patients with TBI.