Kawartha,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm glad you found a way out of your worst symptoms.

Although your experience showed you needed a break from all stimulation, the best research says that the dark room rest is not the best way to recover. Reducing stimulation is important, especially during the first week or two. After that, moderate brain stimulation is important to encourage good blood flow.

Sleep should be maintained at normal sleep times. There are some negative stress factors/anxiety that come into play with the dark room and excessive bed rest.

If moderate stimulation causes a feeling of a need for a nap or break from even moderate stimulation, then that break or nap is good.

Every brain injury is different and every recovery is different with just some general guidelines. Learning to recognize when stimulation is getting to be too much is important, especially when trying to return to activity.

So, what symptoms are you still having that brings you to NeuroTalk ?