Symptom 3: Insomnia – The Elusive Slumber
The simple act of falling asleep becomes a nightly battle when post-concussion syndrome enters the picture. Insomnia is a common symptom of PCS, turning what should be a restful refuge into a source of stress and frustration.
Insomnia in PCS can present itself in various ways. It could be trouble falling asleep, characterized by hours of tossing and turning. Once asleep, staying that way can become the next challenge, with frequent nocturnal awakenings disrupting the sleep cycle. For some, it’s early morning awakenings, with the brain deciding it’s time to rise and shine well before the alarm clock rings.
The effect of these sleep disturbances extends beyond the dark hours. Daytime fatigue becomes a common companion, making it harder to focus, think clearly, or even perform the most mundane tasks. With the body and mind not getting the restorative sleep they need, it can exacerbate other PCS symptoms, like headaches and dizziness.
Insomnia can also have significant emotional impacts, leading to feelings of anxiety or depression. It’s a vicious cycle – the stress of not being able to sleep can further feed the insomnia, making it even harder to break the pattern. (3)
