Sleeping with a Head Injury:

Understanding the Risk and Tragic

Loss of America's Dad
Bob Saget, a popular comedian, actor, and TV host, died in January 2022 at the age of 65. He
was well-known for his roles as Danny Tanner in Full House and Fuller House and as the voice
of an older Ted Mosby on How I Met Your Mother, earning him the nickname "America's Dad" in
the hearts of many fans.

Officials disclosed that Bob Saget was discovered unconscious in his hotel room in Florida after
a comedy show he had done earlier that night. This incident highlights the importance of taking
head injuries seriously, as even if one feels fine after a fall, it can still be considered dangerous.

The autopsy report for Bob Saget, which came out this month, concluded that his death was
accidental and caused by a blow to his head. Dr. Joshua Stephany, the Chief Medical Examiner
at the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office, stated in the report that it was likely that Saget
had fallen backward and hit the back of his head.

While the coroner attributed Bob Saget's death to head trauma, the autopsy also revealed that
he had an enlarged heart and had taken both anxiety and antidepressant medications.
Additionally, a PCR test showed that Saget had tested positive for COVID-19, although it is
uncertain whether any of these factors contributed to his death.

Dr. Jeffrey Bazarian, an emergency physician and a specialist in concussions at the University
of Rochester Medical Center, expressed skepticism to the Times that Bob Saget was able to
comprehend the severity of his injury and believed he could simply "sleep it off."

Although Bob Saget was probably unconscious as a result of his serious head injuries, the
outpouring of grief and tribute for the beloved actor emphasizes the significance of head trauma
and the risks of sleeping after a head injury.

The family released a new statement stating that the authorities have confirmed that Bob Saget
died from head trauma after accidentally hitting the back of his head on an object and then
going to bed without realizing the severity of the injury.

Things to understand about head injuries resulting from

impacts
A significant concern with head impacts is that they have the potential to cause concussions
and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Mayo Clinic states that signs of TBI comprise headaches, queasiness, exhaustion or
drowsiness, instability or loss of equilibrium, and difficulties with speaking. Traumatic brain
injuries are often caused by falls, car accidents, sports injuries, physical assaults, and
explosions, which military personnel may experience.

The CDC has outlined critical indications that require urgent medical attention for adults who
have sustained a concussion or TBI:

● If you have a headache that intensifies and persists

● Experiencing weakness, numbness, convulsions, decreased coordination, or seizures
● Repeated vomiting
● Unusual behavior or slurred speech
● Asymmetrical pupil size
● Feeling disoriented or agitated, and unable to recognize people or places
● Loss of consciousness, excessive drowsiness, or the inability to wake up

When it comes to children with a head injury:

● A University in Arkansas for Medical Sciences suggests checking on children with head
injuries during the night to ensure they can be awakened.
● Nemours Children's Health advises seeking immediate medical help if a child falls
asleep after a head injury and cannot be awakened.
● The CDC recommends seeking emergency medical attention if a child is inconsolable,
won't stop crying, or won't breastfeed or eat, in addition to any of the adult danger signs
listed above.

Can you sleep safely after hitting your head?

You can sleep after a head injury in some cases. It used to be believed that sleeping after a
head injury could result in a coma or death. However, Healthline states that if you can talk, walk
without assistance, and your pupils are not dilated, it is probably safe to sleep.

Dr. Richard Figler, a sports medicine doctor, has said that waking up someone who may have a
concussion is not always helpful. Rest is an essential part of the healing process. Instead, he
suggests monitoring their breathing patterns, which can be done without disturbing them. If
there is an issue with breathing, such as irregularities, then waking them up and seeking
medical attention is necessary.
The aftermath of a traumatic brain injury on your sleep

In addition to causing sleep problems, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also worsen if a person
doesn't get enough sleep. According to Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, a TBI can affect
sleep due to several reasons, including damage to the sleep areas in the brain, changes in the
hormone melatonin, which is responsible for regulating sleep, and other types of injury.

It is recommended to seek medical advice in all cases of head injuries, even if it seems minor. If
the injury is severe or you experience severe symptoms, calling 9-1-1 for emergency medical
attention is necessary.