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DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/jsmahs.11.02.09

Abstract

Introduction: Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that cause problems such as headaches, dizziness, dazed or confusion, difficulty remembering or concentrating, but one of the most common complications that can occur from concussions are sleep disturbances/disorders. About 90% of those affected by TBI reported some type of sleep disturbance that include insomnia, frequent wakefulness after onset sleep, poor sleep quality, increased need for sleep, and/or daytime sleepiness that may possibly interfere with daily living activities. Previous evidence suggests that daily blue wavelength light therapy (BLT) may be effective at reducing fatigue and improving sleep in patients recovering from mild TBI. Therefore, the clinical question of this critical appraisal is: Does BLT help improve overall sleep quality and or sleep disturbances in those with concussions? Methods: A literature search was conducted from October to November of 2023 through PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to identify studies of level 2 evidence or higher investigating the impact of BLT on sleep in concussed patients. Those studies included must have assessed the effectiveness of BLT versus a control to improve sleep quality and or sleep disturbances . The main outcomes were fatigue, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and depression. Results: Four relevant studies were included and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All of the studies supported the clinical question and identified that BLT intervention helps improve sleep quality and or disturbances in concussed patients. The BLT group feel asleep 57.5 minutes earlier compared to baseline (P =.004) and there was a significant reduction in fatigue in those that were in the BLT group (P < .001). Additionally, a significant reduction of daytime sleepiness in the BLT group was noted (P < .01). Discussion: There is significant evidence that shows that BLT improves sleep quality and or sleep disturbances in those who have sustained a concussion. BLT can alter the circadian rhythm at the time of melatonin release, with just a short amount of 30 or more minutes with the therapy through a six-week period. More healthcare providers should be educated on the effects BLT has on patients with a concussion.

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