Hitting your head can be scary, especially if it results in symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea or confusion. You may be wondering if you need to take time to rest and recover after a head injury. Here is some quick guidance on what to do after hitting your head.
Should I rest after a minor head injury?
Rest is recommended after any head injury, even a minor one. If you bump your head and feel fine afterwards, it’s still a good idea to take it easy for the first 24 hours. Some symptoms of concussion may not appear until several hours or days later.
The brain needs time to heal after any trauma. Rest allows your brain to recover and helps prevent further injury.
Recommended rest period
Most experts recommend 24-48 hours of rest after hitting your head. This means:
- Getting plenty of sleep at night
- Taking daytime naps or resting breaks as needed
- Avoiding physical activities like sports, heavy lifting, running, etc.
- Reducing mental activities that require concentration and memory
If your symptoms go away completely after a day or two of rest, you can gradually return to your normal activities.
When to extend your rest period
You may need more than 48 hours of rest if you experience:
- Persistent headache
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion, feeling dazed or “foggy”
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Fatigue or sleep problems
- Increased sensitivity to light or noise
- Changes in vision
- Numbness/tingling
- Mood changes like irritability or anxiety
With symptoms like these, additional rest is crucial for your brain to fully recover. Allow yourself as much rest as you need until your symptoms go away.
How much rest is needed after a concussion?
Concussions require careful rest and recovery. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Rest is a key part of concussion treatment.
With a concussion, experts recommend:
- 24-48 hours of complete cognitive and physical rest after the injury
- Several days of additional rest as needed until symptoms resolve
- Gradual return to activities in stages under your doctor’s guidance
Too much activity too soon can worsen symptoms and prolong recovery. Take as much time as you need to allow your brain to fully heal.
Tips for resting after a concussion
Here are some tips for getting adequate rest after a concussion:
- Sleep 8-10 hours per night
- Take daytime naps or rest breaks when tired
- Limit activities that require concentration or thinking
- Avoid bright screens and loud noises that can trigger symptoms
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet
- Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs and pain medications
- Consider taking time off work or school
Let your symptoms guide the length and degree of rest you need. The better you rest, the quicker you’ll recover.
Should I sleep after hitting my head?
Yes, sleep is very important after a head injury. Getting adequate sleep allows the brain time to heal.
Reasons to sleep after a head injury
There are a few reasons why sleep is so beneficial after bumping your head:
- Sleep reduces inflammation in the brain caused by injury.
- The brain removes toxins during sleep that accumulate after trauma.
- Sleep allows the brain to restore its energy reserves.
- Brain cells and connections repair themselves during sleep.
- Sleep improves cognitive functioning like memory and concentration.
Without sufficient sleep, recovery could be delayed. Aim for at least 8-10 hours of sleep each night after a head injury.
Tips for better sleep after a head injury
Having trouble sleeping after hitting your head? Here are some tips for getting good quality sleep:
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same times daily.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool.
- Avoid electronics before bedtime.
- Reduce daytime naps.
- Limit caffeine, especially late in the day.
- Try relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation or light music.
- Avoid heavy meals, alcohol and vigorous exercise close to bedtime.
Let your doctor know if you have persistent insomnia after a head injury. Sleep medication or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) may help in some cases.
When to see a doctor after hitting your head
Most minor head bumps do not require immediate medical care. However, see a doctor promptly if you experience:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Severe headache
- Dizziness and difficulty with balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion, memory loss or altered mental state
- Changes in vision, hearing or senses
- Fluid draining from nose or ears
- Weakness, numbness or lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Seizure
- Inability to wake up
These can be signs of concussion, brain bleeding or other serious complications. Seek emergency care for vomiting, severe headaches or sudden behavior changes after an injury.
See your doctor for any of the following:
- Headache or dizziness that persists more than 1-2 days
- Nausea or fatigue that lingers beyond a few days
- Confusion, fogginess or impaired concentration
- Mood changes like irritability or anxiety
- Trouble with balance, coordination or physical activities
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive drowsiness
- Increased sensitivity to light or sound
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Numbness or tingling
Your doctor can assess your injury, provide guidance on managing symptoms and monitor your progress. Call your doctor sooner if symptoms seem to worsen.
When can I return to activity after hitting my head?
Resuming normal activity after a head injury should be done gradually in stages:
- Day 1-2: Complete rest. Avoid any physical or cognitive activity.
- Day 3 and beyond: If symptom-free, start light activity like walking, easy tasks and socializing.
- Next few days: Increase activity closer to your normal routine if no symptoms reappear.
- Following week: Return to your full activities including sports if you remain symptom-free.
This slow progression allows your brain time to adjust without overexerting yourself. Proceed to the next stage of activity only if you remain symptom-free at the current stage.
If symptoms recur, go back to the previous stage for at least 24 more hours. Call your doctor if symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks.
More tips for returning to activity
- Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting until fully recovered.
- Take frequent breaks during prolonged mental activity.
- Stay well-hydrated and get plenty of rest.
- Reduce stimulating noise and light if needed.
- Ask your employer for accommodations like shorter shifts if needed.
Let your symptoms guide your pace. Increase activity slowly and gingerly. Stop an activity if it causes symptoms to flare up.
Conclusion
Rest and recovery are essential after bumping your head. Most experts recommend 24-48 hours of rest, followed by a gradual return to activities if you’re symptom-free. Sleep and limit exertion to allow your brain time to heal.
See a doctor promptly if you have concerning symptoms like severe headaches, vomiting, confusion or difficulty balancing. Be especially cautious with symptoms that don’t go away or worsen over time.
With proper rest and a gradual increase in activity, most people recover fully within 7-10 days after minor head injuries. Pay close attention to your symptoms and don’t push yourself before you’re ready.