RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

An Exploration of Sleep Disturbance and Outcomes in TBI (SLEEP-TBI)

This study, called SLEEP-TBI, is looking into how sleep problems affect people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI is caused by a bump or jolt to the head that temporarily changes how the brain works. Sleep problems can include waking often, trouble falling asleep, or feeling too sleepy during the day. The researchers want to understand how these sleep issues relate to long-term mental health, such as depression or anxiety, and daily activities like work or hobbies. By gaining a clearer picture of this connection, the study hopes to improve the care and treatment for people recovering from a brain injury. Participants will share their experiences and also use a device to measure their sleep. This will help researchers learn more about how sleep impacts recovery after a TBI.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

180

Start

21 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Traumatic Brain Injury

What is this study about?

This study, called SLEEP-TBI, is all about understanding the connection between sleep and recovery after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI happens when you have a bump or jolt to your head that affects how your brain works, even if it's only for a short time. Many people who experience a TBI also find their sleep changes afterwards. This could mean they wake up a lot during the night, struggle to fall asleep, feel very sleepy during the day, or just have different sleep habits than before.

The main goal of this research is to see how these sleep disturbances affect other important parts of a person's life. For example, the researchers want to know if sleep problems are linked to how well someone recovers their mental health (like dealing with feelings of sadness or worry) or how they get back to their normal daily activities, such as going to work, studying, or enjoying their hobbies. They'll be following people over several months to see how their sleep changes and what impact it has.

By carefully studying this link, the researchers hope to find better ways to help people who have had a TBI. If we understand more about how sleep affects recovery, it could lead to new or improved treatments and support, ultimately making a real difference to people's lives after a brain injury.

Key takeaways

This study explores the link between sleep problems and recovery after a brain injury.
It aims to find better ways to help people living with the effects of a brain injury.
Participants will wear a device for two weeks to measure their sleep.
The study considers how sleep affects daily life and mental well-being.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged between 18 and 60 years old. If you've had a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you might be able to take part. Specifically, the study is split into two main groups.

One group is for people who were seen in an Emergency Department within 24 hours of their head injury. For this group, your TBI must have been diagnosed by a doctor, and you should be able to wear a small activity tracker at home for two weeks within three months of your injury.

The other group is for people who had their TBI over a year ago. Again, your TBI must have been medically diagnosed, and you should be able to wear an activity tracker for two weeks. Importantly, for both groups, you should not have a pre-existing sleep disorder or a serious neurological condition like a stroke or epilepsy, and you shouldn't work night shifts.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Have you had a medically diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
Do you *not* have another neurological condition like stroke or epilepsy?
Do you *not* have a pre-existing sleep disorder?
Do you *not* typically work night shifts?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to share your experiences of sleep disturbance and how it affects your daily life and mental well-being. A key part of taking part involves wearing a small device, similar to a watch, which helps to monitor your movement and sleep quality. You'll wear this device at home for a period of two weeks. For some parts of the study, researchers will follow up with you over several months to see how things change over time. There are no medications involved in this study. The total duration of your involvement would depend on which part of the study you participate in, but wearing the sleep tracker is for a specific two-week period. You will also complete some questionnaires about your experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help future patients with traumatic brain injuries by improving our understanding of sleep and recovery, potentially leading to better care for others. You might also gain a clearer understanding of your own sleep patterns. There are no known physical risks associated with wearing the activity tracker, and the questions asked are about your experiences, which some people may find helpful to talk about. However, if any questions feel uncomfortable or you change your mind, you are absolutely free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Nottingham University Hosptials Trust
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'traumatic brain injury'?

It's an injury to the brain caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or when something goes into the head. It causes the brain to stop working normally for a period, which can be temporary.

What kind of 'sleep disturbance' are you looking at?

This could be anything from waking up often at night, finding it hard to fall asleep, feeling too sleepy during the day, or just having different sleep patterns than you used to.

What will I have to do if I join the study?

You'll be asked about your sleep experiences, and for two weeks, you'll wear a small device that tracks your movement and sleep patterns in your normal home environment.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It's about monitoring sleep and understanding experiences.

What if I decide I don't want to continue?

You are completely free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Irene L Morgan-Brown, MSc, PGCert, BSc

lqxim2@nottingham.ac.uk +44115 823 1924 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.