Associations of Symptomatic Head Trauma/Concussion Diagnosis with Sleep-Related Outcomes in Children

Abstract

Introduction

Using National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2020 to 2022, we examined associations between a history of symptomatic head trauma/concussion diagnosis with sleep-related outcomes.

Methods

Guardians of children aged 2-17 years answered survey questions indicating whether US children had prior symptomatic head trauma and/or a concussion diagnosis. Associations with symptomatic head trauma/concussion diagnosis and sleep outcomes were determined in logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, race, region, insurance coverage, parental education, and income-poverty ratio.

Results

Compared to children without symptomatic head trauma/concussion diagnosis, children with symptomatic head trauma/concussion diagnosis were more likely to report any frequency of not feeling well-rested (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.34-1.99), difficulty getting out of bed (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.30-1.86), daytime fatigue (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.55-2.22), and daytime napping (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.13-1.65).

Conclusion

This nationally representative sample found United States children with prior symptomatic head trauma/concussion diagnosis were more likely to experience several sleep difficulties.