Concussions and Persistent Fatigue: Uncovering the Sleep Impact of Mild Brain Injuries August 26, 2025 A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when a blow to the head—or even to the body—transmits enough force to disrupt normal brain function.1 While many people expect symptoms like headache, dizziness, or memory problems, one of the most persistent and often overlooked consequences is fatigue.1 This exhaustion can be profound, interfering with work, relationships, and daily life long after the initial injury has healed.2 Why Fatigue Happens After a Concussion The science behind concussion is complex. When the brain experiences acceleration and rotational forces, it triggers a cascade of changes: altered blood flow, inflammation, and temporary disruption in the way brain cells process information.1 For many, this results in “post-concussion fatigue”—a type of tiredness that doesn’t always improve with rest.2 Unlike ordinary fatigue, post-concussion fatigue can feel overwhelming. It affects not only physical stamina but also mental clarity, making it harder to concentrate, remember details, or perform even routine tasks.2 Emotional regulation may also be affected, leading to irritability, mood swings, or heightened anxiety.2 Signs and Symptoms to Watch For Common concussion symptoms include headache, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and short-term memory issues.1 But persistent fatigue brings its own set of challenges:2 Constant tiredness despite rest Poor sleep quality, with difficulty falling or staying asleep Cognitive fog, affecting focus and decision-making Reduced physical endurance Emotional instability, such as irritability or anxiety While around 90% of people recover within days to weeks, a small group continues to experience fatigue and other symptoms for months.3 When symptoms last beyond three months, it may be diagnosed as persistent post-concussion symptoms.3 The Role of Sleep in Recovery Sleep is essential for brain healing, yet it is often disrupted after concussion. Many people experience insomnia, fragmented sleep, or even sleep-disordered breathing like sleep apnea.4 These issues compound fatigue, creating a cycle where poor sleep worsens recovery. Because reaction times and mental sharpness can be slower post-injury, it’s crucial not to return to sport or high-risk activities until symptoms have resolved.5 A second concussion before full recovery increases the risk of long-term damage.5 Structured Recovery and the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test Rest is important in the first 24–48 hours after a concussion, but extended inactivity is no longer recommended.3 Instead, carefully graded exercise has been shown to help recovery.3 One structured approach is the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT). This controlled protocol helps identify a person’s safe threshold for exercise and allows healthcare professionals to create tailored programs.2 This avoids the common “crash and burn” cycle, where overexertion leads to setbacks. Through regular assessment, the BCTT not only supports safe exercise but also provides a way to track progress and adapt rehabilitation over time. Moving Forward While most people recover from concussion without major complications, persistent fatigue and sleep problems should never be ignored. They can seriously impact quality of life, work performance, and emotional wellbeing. If you or someone you know continues to feel unusually tired, struggles with sleep, or has lingering symptoms after a head injury, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your brain needs time, rest, and support to heal—so if symptoms persist, speak with your doctor about tailored rehabilitation and recovery options. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References McRae, Bonnie, and Sharon Stay. “Assessment and Management of Sport Related Concussion in General Practice.” Australian Journal of General Practice, 2024, racgp.org.au. “Understanding Post-Concussion Fatigue.” Sydney Concussion Centre, 2025, sydneyconcussioncentre.com.au. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. Pearce, Alan. “The Potentially Long-Lasting Effects of Concussion.” NewsGP, 2019, racgp.org.au. “Sleep and Traumatic Brain Injury | Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC).” msktc.org. Better Health Channel. “Head Injuries and Concussion.” Vic.gov.au, 2023, betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
