Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Ask a Cleveland Attorney: The Importance of Sleep in Recovering from a Brain Injury

An experienced brain injury attorney in Cleveland can assist you with more than pure legal advice and willing to help you on many levels in your recovery process. One of the most essential remedies for healing from a brain injury is sleep, and lots of it. Sleep helps preserve memories, and it serves to heal the brain. Studies have repeatedly shown that people deprived of sleep suffer memory problems, whether they’ve suffered a brain injury or not. For those who have suffered from a brain injury, good sleep is essential to recovering those memories and moving forward.

The Importance of Naps and Sleeping In

Naps are no sign of laziness; they are actually a necessary key to mental health and brain recovery. A recent study from the University of Australia found that older people are two-thirds less likely to suffer cognitive impairment if they take a daily nap. The study found that napping helped prevent cognitive decline. In contrast, sleeping less than six hours per night doubled the risk of cognitive impairment 10 years later. Those who suffered from daytime sleepiness were 2.5 times more likely to suffer cognitive impairment. The study recommended sleeping at least 6 to 9 hours per night with a daily 60 minute nap. Everyone’s sleep needs are different of course, but if you find yourself continually sleepy throughout the day, it may be a sign that you need to spend more time underneath the covers.

Sleeping Tips

• Go to bed when you’re sleepy. Don’t fight it, even if you face going to work in the morning or an unpleasant task the next day. You’ll feel much more refreshed and able to face the day with a good night’s sleep under your belt.
• Avoid TV, surfing the Internet, and especially Facebook at least an hour before you plan to sleep. Screens only serve to stimulate the brain and can send your mind racing when you really need to be dreaming.
• Keep your bedroom dark. Night lights are okay, but be sure they are dimmed. Turn the alarm clock away from your line of sight. It will only serve to make you anxious, and the light can stimulate your brain and subconsciously disrupt your sleep.

Attorneys specializing in brain injuries are quick to understand the need for proper sleep and for good reason. Sleep heals your brain by recovering your memories and cognitive abilities. Sleep in and feel great about it. Dreams pave the road to recovery, a healthy mind and a happy life.