Brain Blog - Sleep

Rosie, teaching me all about day sleeping.

In normal life, sleep is important. Sleep reboots us, replenishes us and is necessary to function. Post brain surgery, sleep is vital. Your doctor probably told you that you will sleep for 2 weeks and, well, s/he is right. I spent just 2 1/2 days in the hospital but I'm pretty sure I slept almost 20 of 24 hours, other than the times they woke me every hour or two for neuro checks. Between the narcotics, the healing and any other drugs, you will be tired. Give in. Sleep.
I'm normally a fairly vivid dreamer, but during the first two weeks, I had the MOST amazing dreams I've ever had. I'm assuming it was a combo of brain rewiring and many narcotics. I'm trained as a designer (though I work as a researcher) and I had the most incredibly vivid and beautiful dreams I've ever had. I designed the most spectacular room (a modern/60's living room), apparel (I presented at fashion week with a cool concept for wearable technology) and several other vividly beautiful dreams. I was sad to see them go.
Once I got home, I slept some more. I liken my first 10 days or so to the life of a cat. Sleeping, waking to eat, then going back to sleep. Again, awake for maybe 4-6 hours of a 24 hour cycle. For me, I had my best waking hours between about 4pm and 7pm. At home, also, I did give in. Even when people were visiting, I practically fell asleep in front of them after 15 minutes. Don't despair! It will get better. But definitely sleep when your body tells you to, which it will...often.
Part way through week 3 and definitely in week 4, I started keeping more regular hours, but still often slept 10 hours (I usually get by on 6 or 7).
Now, closing in on week 5, I still sleep a lot, but my normal tendencies are starting to return. I still really love sleep because it feels good, and any pain I'm in subsides.
This is likely one of the few times in your adult life you will be allowed to sleep unabashedly. Take advantage of it!