What Causes Sleep Problems After a Car Accident?
Find out how to pinpoint the cause of your sleep disturbance and get compensated for your injuries
A car accident can shake more than just your vehicle; it can disrupt your sleep in several ways. Physical injuries from a car accident can make it difficult to find a comfortable position when sleeping.
Then there’s the psychological side of things. The stress and trauma from a car accident can impact your sleep. You might find yourself tossing and turning, battling insomnia, or waking up from nightmares that replay the crash in your mind.
What are common sleep problems after a car accident?
Car accident victims often suffer from sleep problems such as:
- Insomnia: This disorder keeps you awake when you need rest the most. The body and mind can stay on high alert after a collision. This makes it hard to shut down and fall asleep.
- Nightmares and night terrors: Trauma can turn your dreams into distressing episodes. Nightmares and night terrors often feature scenes from a serious car accident or other unsettling imagery.
- Sleep apnea: Stress and physical injuries can sometimes trigger sleep apnea. This is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. This can leave you feeling tired even after a full night in bed.
- Sleeping too much: Sometimes injuries can result in overwhelming fatigue, which can cause you to sleep excessively during the day and struggle to stay awake.
What types of car accident injuries can cause sleep problems?
Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which can significantly disrupt your sleep. Here’s a look at how different types of injuries might impact your rest:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when your head snaps forward and backward during a collision. This motion can cause neck pain and stiffness, making it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. As a result, you may experience frequent awakenings and restless nights.
Back injuries
Injuries to the lower or upper back from a car accident can lead to chronic pain that interferes with sleep. Herniated discs, muscle strains, and other back conditions can make it challenging to lie still and sleep through the night.
Head injuries
Head injuries, such as concussions, can bring on headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, traumatic brain injuries may disrupt your sleep patterns and overall restfulness.
Shoulder and arm injuries
Damage to the shoulder can occur from a direct impact or a jolt during a car accident. This can cause pain that radiates through the arm, making it hard to find a restful sleeping position.
Chest and abdominal injuries
Any injuries to the chest and torso can result in sharp pain, especially when lying down. This pain can make it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep. Internal injuries or abdominal bruising can also cause discomfort that worsens when lying down.
Hip and leg injuries
Injuries to the hip or pelvis can limit your ability to move comfortably. Additionally, fractures, sprains, or strains in the legs can further affect your sleep, particularly if you need to keep the injured leg elevated or immobile.
How do sleep problems affect recovery?
Sleep plays a major role in the body’s repair work. When you don't get enough rest, your healing slows down, and you might experience prolonged pain and discomfort.
Lack of sleep can worsen feelings of anxiety and depression, which can make it harder to cope with emotional anguish from a crash. A good night's sleep helps keep your mood stable and your mind clear.
Sleep impacts more than just your body; it affects your ability to function daily. Poor sleep can lead to irritability, concentration problems, and decreased productivity.
What coping strategies and treatments can help?
If you notice that your sleep has changed after a car accident, seek medical attention right away. Your doctor can offer solutions such as pain management, medication adjustments, or treatments specifically for sleep issues. Always follow their advice for managing pain and promoting rest.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to treat insomnia, which can help reset your sleep patterns. Trauma-focused therapy might also be beneficial to address the underlying stress linked to your car accident.
Also, simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and find effective ways to manage your pain.
Can I be compensated for sleep problems after a car accident?
You may be entitled to financial compensation when sleep problems stem from a car accident. The amount of compensation you receive can vary based on the severity of your sleep issues and how they affect your daily life.
Since Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state, you may be able to seek compensation from your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who was at fault. PIP can pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and home care up to the policy limit.
However, if your medical expenses and loss of income exceed your PIP policy limit, you’ll need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Additionally, PIP doesn’t cover property damage or pain and suffering. The other driver’s insurer would be responsible for compensating you for these damages.
Sleep problems can account for both economic (medical costs) and non-economic (loss of quality of life) damages. It’s important to keep all medical documentation, appointment logs, prescriptions, and a daily journal demonstrating how your sleep disruption impacts your life.
Our Tampa attorneys fight tirelessly for injured motorists
If you're struggling with sleep problems after a car accident in Tampa, don’t hesitate to get legal help. Insurance companies often try to minimize the effects of sleep disorders. They might claim that your sleep problems are pre-existing and unrelated to the collision you were involved in.
The attorneys at Armando Personal Injury Law know that sleep disturbances can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Attorney Armando Edmiston and his legal team are committed to protecting the rights of injured motorists throughout the Tampa area. We've secured large settlements for clients, including:
- A multi-million-dollar settlement for a client who suffered severe neck and back injuries in a seven-car pileup.
- A $300,000 settlement for a rear-end accident victim who required surgery for a back injury.
With our law firm on your side, you only have to focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track. We can take care of the rest. To find out how we can help, contact us online or call our Tampa law office to schedule a free consultation.
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