BACKGROUND: Sleep and endocrine disruptions are prevalent after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are likely to contribute to morbidity.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the interaction between sleep and hormonal regulation following TBI and elucidate the impact that alterations of these systems have on cognitive responses during the posttraumatic chronic period.
METHODS: Review of preclinical and clinical literature describing long-lasting endocrine dysregulation and sleep alterations following TBI. The bidirectional relationship between sleep and hormones is described. Literature describing co-occurrence between sleep-wake disturbances and hormonal dysregulation will be presented. Review of literature describing cognitive effects of seep and hormones. The cognitive and functional impact of sleep disturbances and hormonal dysregulation is discussed within the context of TBI.
RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Sleep and hormonal alterations impact cognitive and functional outcome after TBI. Diagnosis and treatment of these disturbances will impact recovery following TBI and should be considered in the post-acute rehabilitative setting.