This whole thing is fascinating.


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It's also been shown that concussion can have an effect on hormone levels which can affect sleep. Typically serotonin production is reduced which can lean to early waking and depression, conversely norepinephrine is raised leading to high anxiety.

This link is long winded but an interesting read and goes into the symptoms.

http://www.drjoecarver.com/clients/4...Imbalance.html

I've known how important sleep is for decades. That's why I'm really concerned when mine deteriorates. It just seems like I'm not sleepy enough whereas my waking brain is a little too alert, focuses too much when it should yield.

I'll read that article, SuperElectric. Thanks. How is your sleep and what are your symptoms etc.?

You too Joannetb.

Also somebody said they think we over-dream. Do you any of you suspect this?

I guess my sleep is typical insomnia, takes a while to get off then wake about 3 or four hours later for no apparent reason. Then I'm wide awake. I have been through short periods where I've slept for about six hours but I've never found out why. I've reached the stage now, after two years, where my other symptoms have gone and I feel optimistic again, so it's puzzling how my sleep issues are lingering. I know what you mean about the feeling of sleepiness is missing. I wonder how you can get that feeling back? That Sunday morning feeling where you just yawn and drift off again.

It is important to understand one's sleep style. Early birds and night owls are genetically predisposed to these traits. Normal wake and sleep times can only be adjusted an hour or so. It makes late shift work all but impossible. The key component is wake time. It should be consistent day to day, 6:00 am to 8:00 am or so. This sets up the sleep system to start to be ready for sleep 12 to 14 hours later.

If you struggle to fall asleep at night, try waking up earlier. Stop all active cognitive efforts and activities 2 hours before your hoped sleep time. Passive activities can help the brain settle down. Many can be sleepy but alert. Set up your sleep environment so you do not have to do anything when that sense of sleepiness happens except turn off a light or two and climb into bed.

If you have a project you were working on cognitively in the evening, make notes of your stopping point with comments about the next step for the next day. In other words, do not take cognitive tasks to bed.

I watch TV shows that I can turn off at any time. Nothing important or that creates a sense of "What comes next?" Reruns are good for this.

If there is a metabolic issue like thyroid, it should be addressed. If a 50 mgs or 100 mgs of 5-HTP helps with serotonin, then use it. For most, it is just poor sleep planning and anxiety or cognitive stimulation.

Do not nap during the day. It resets to sleepiness timer.

Great info Mark.

Brown when, mine is all over the map. I'll sleep for 8 to 9 hours 3 nights in a row, and then struggle for the next 5 nights. Either I have Trouble falling asleep or I wake up in the middle of the night and can't seem to go back to sleep.

I'm going to try Mark's suggestion of really slowing down a couple of hours before to see if that helps.




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Oh, and about dreams. I've had crazy extreme dreams for the last 12 ish years, but that's Effexor as far as I know. Luckily, up until the concussion, those dreams didn't effect me emotionally. I could wake up from a horribly sad dream and simply think 'what a weird dream".

I have noticed the last year that some dreams are actually starting to bother me. I find dreams very interesting, very frightening, and very strange. It could be because my depression has kicked up a bit. Who knows. It's a mystery


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I have sure had to develope a lot of new habits....all of which really have been to my benefit in the long run.

In some strange ways I think this accident will be a big help in dealing with old age, I'm not sure I could handle 85 gracefully without some lessons in patience and life.

SuperE...good read.

Bud

Irregular sleeping hours is widely reported by PCS people.

I JUST STARTED this, a little bit back last Week (8) and now this Week. For example, Wed. I slept well, getting near 8 hours (which actually I think is more than I need). Suddenly on Th. and F. I struggled to fall and then stay asleep and only got somewhere around 5 or 6. Sa. I slept another 8 but the next day felt tempted--resisted--to nap during the day. The two periods feel different (see also my 'Journey' thread): during the difficult sleep period I develop this odd dread as the day nears the end. During the easy period I feel relaxed and maybe a bit too hyped at times, but closer to my normal self. Though it's not unusual to have stressed periods, the way these two conditions flips back and forth is abnormal.

I've just learned something important. This may apply to many situations with erratic hours.

If you want to sleep better, do more during the day.

This doesn't say you HAVE to do more.