Citation

Mumbower R, Childs G, Vance DE, Dreer LE, Novack T, Heaton K. Brain Inj. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Associate Professor, School of Nursing, UAB , Birmingham , Alabama , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699052.2019.1658133

PMID

31462085

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to 1) describe and explore the experiences of sleep following a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in community-dwelling adults, 2) elicit factors that positively or negatively impact the sleep experience, and 3) understand sleep-related education provided to survivors. Design: Qualitative description. Methods: Face-to-face interviews with 16 individuals using a semi-structured interview guide. Transcripts were systematically coded and common themes were identified. The final sample consisted of primarily Caucasian men with average age of 32.4 years (SD = 9.9), and average of 2.6 years (SD = .89) years post injury. Results: Community-dwelling survivors of TBI experienced poor sleep quality and quantity post-injury and described a variety of approaches to manage their sleep. Survivors described coping with sleep changes and using sleep as a coping mechanism for TBI. Additionally, survivors' responses indicated perceived lack of resources and preference for receiving education from knowledgeable, familiar clinicians during face-to-face encounters. Conclusions: This study provides a description of reported sleep experiences following TBI and adds new knowledge regarding sleep management strategies and preferences for resources. The findings suggest a need for education regarding sleep for rehabilitation professionals and long-term sleep support after discharge from rehabilitation.

Language: en

Keywords

Traumatic brain injury; health education; qualitative; sleep