Sleep After Adolescent Concussion

The study therapist will outline the biopsychosocial model of mTBI recovery, highlighting the shift from biological injury to behavior (especially sleep behavior) as key driver of symptoms. The intervention will then apply well-established strategies from the pediatric psychology and insomnia literatures, encouraging conjoint problem-solving by parent and youth with the shared goal of maximizing nocturnal sleep. These include: pre-planning, problem-solving, development of a positive routine, commitment to sleep-promoting behaviors, self-monitoring, and positive reinforcement. The therapist will also teach a brief, self-guided pre-sleep relaxation exercise that has been used in insomnia treatment to maximize the benefit of additional sleep opportunity.