Traumatic brain injury-associated delayed sleep phase syndrome
Nagtegaal, J.E.; Kerkhof, G.A.; Smits, M.G.; Swart, A.C.; van der Meer, Y.G.
Functional Neurology 12(6): 345-348
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-5264 PMID: 9503198 Document Number: 483436
A 15-year-old girl developed a prominent delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) following traumatic brain injury. Several physiological markers of the sleep-wake rhythm: plasma melatonin, body temperature, wrist activity and sleep architecture (EEG) were delayed almost half a day, returning to normal after treatment with 5 mg melatonin. This report suggests an association between traumatic brain injury and DSPS. Awareness of this phenomenon may result in better possibilities for treatment of patients with brain injury.