Abstract:
This study involved a retrospective review of medical records to determine the severity of sleep disturbance among individuals with brain injury. Data on 17 patients was recorded hourly for a two-week period by staff as to the wakefulness of the patients. In addition, demographic data and FIM scores were collected. Results indicated that the 17 patients experienced interrupted sleep during 71% of the night. This was true of 66% of the patients with traumatic brain injury and 92% of the patients with anoxic brain injury. 100% of the women had a sleep disturbance compared with 64% of the men. Patients who were 60+ years of age had interrupted sleep 90% of the time compared with those who were less than 25 years of age (70%). FIM scores and methylphenidate were not associated with sleep/wake patterns.