The psychological turmoil from a car crash can leave victims feeling jittery or preoccupied, making it difficult for them to sleep. However, some people have the opposite problem and find themselves sleeping more than usual after a crash. While feeling tired after a car accident can be the normal response of a body that needs to rest and heal, sleeping so much that it interferes with your daily life can be a sign of a brain injury or another serious injury.
The legal team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer is here to explain if it’s normal to sleep a lot after a car accident and symptoms that could be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you were injured in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney.
Does Recovering from Injuries Make You Sleepier?
Rest is essential to the body’s healing process. A car accident can be a major shock to your system, even if you suffer only minor injuries. Because of this, recovering from injuries can make you sleepier. It is common for people to feel extreme fatigue following a car crash once the initial rush of adrenaline wears off. They may also need extra sleep to recover. However, be aware of your sleep patterns and how the accident affects them, as sleeping too much is often a sign of a serious injury.
What Should I Do If I’m Sleeping a Lot After a Car Accident?
If you are concerned about how much you sleep after a car accident or are scared to sleep after a concussion, see your doctor immediately. Changes in your sleep habits can be a symptom of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Waiting too long to treat a head injury can lead to serious medical complications.
Excess fatigue is also a common symptom of depression, which many people develop after a crash. While it may be that your body is simply recuperating from a traumatic ordeal, it is best to see your doctor to be sure.
What Sleeping Disorders Could I Develop After a Car Crash?
Many people involved in car accidents develop sleep disorders afterward, including:
- Insomnia
- Sleepwalking
- Narcolepsy, or falling asleep uncontrollably
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, also known as hypersomnia
- Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS)
- Sleep apnea
- Bruxism, or grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
- Periodic limb movement disorder, which involves involuntary movement of the arms and legs during sleep
Signs My Car Accident Injuries Involve a TBI
Increased fatigue and changes in your sleep habits can be signs of a traumatic brain injury. Other symptoms of a TBI include:
- Headaches, including migraines
- Vomiting and nausea
- Difficulty speaking
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Dizziness or vertigo
Can I Get Compensation for Developing Sleeping Disorders After a Car Accident?
A sleep disorder can significantly impact your life. If you developed a sleeping disorder after a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the harm you have suffered. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate your case to determine whether you could be owed compensation for the costs of treating your sleep disorder or any other medical condition caused by the crash, along with other financial and personal losses.
Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Contact the car accident lawyers at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today if you think you developed a sleeping disorder or another medical condition due to a car accident. We can explain your legal options for pursuing compensation during a free initial consultation.
