I have a question about improving the quality of rest during recovery from a concussion. I'm staying with my parents in a guest room that lets in a fair bit of light during the day (even with the blinds drawn). My nighttime sleep has been gradually improving, but I wake fairly early and find it hard to take power naps during the day b/c of the light, especially at this time of the year.

Basically, my pattern is as follows: (1) sleep (from about 10:30 pm - 8:00 am, usually waking a couple of times during the night), (2) get up, shower, dress, etc, (3) potter around the house (get something to eat, do dishes, read the newspaper, etc), (4) sit up in bed reading/emailing/visiting my favourite internet sites, etc, (5) lie down every so often, usually for 10-60 mins, (6) go for a short walk outside (10 - 20 mins), (7) meditate (15 mins once or twice a day - I find this helpful), and (8) spend a bit of time with my girlfriend or with family.

It's been slow going, but I have been improving overall and am starting to feel more like myself. I know that patience is key, but do you think it would be worth hanging curtains to make it easier to sleep more deeply at night (and take daytime naps)? Any other suggestions re helping my brain get the rest it needs?

If your brain is willing and ready to sleep during the day, the light should not make much difference. I fall asleep in my recliner during the day on a regular basis. What is more important is getting your mind to relax and not think in an active way.

Amusement is the term for this kind of thought. You enjoy something but don't have to actively think to enjoy it. I do this with music. The best music is music that you are very familiar with. That way, you just listen rather than try to comprehend the lyrics.

Think of how women like to cuddle. They enjoy the closeness but don't need to talk to enjoy it. They feel a sense of acceptance and security so their mind or emotions can let go and just relax.