Sleeptime Head-Cooling Cap Eases Insomnia, Study Finds

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My son has chronically had a sleep disorder ever since treatments for brain cancer impacted his frontal lobe and brain. I hope this is a workable solution and the consumer product is available soon.

Julie Vann of OH 10:39AM June 17, 2011

I think cooling the brain is an excellent idea for people with brain shunts as well.
The human brain swells when the ambient temperature around the human body is above 68 degrees F. This swelling makes it more difficult for a brain shunt to work, with the result that folks with shunts suffer more symptoms of hydrocephalus in hot weather and when they are physically active. Shunted patients are often given a prescription for air-conditioning. Not everyone can afford air-conditioning even with a tax break, or they can afford it in only one room. A cooling cap might be a less expensive alternative to whole-house air-conditioning.
The cooling cap kept at perhaps 60 degrees during the day would probably keep the shunted-patient from hydrocephalus symptoms. And, if the temperature of the cap could be dropped to 57 degrees at night that would assist with sleep. People with hydrocephalus often have to sleep propped up in order for a gravity-fed shunt to continue working. This makes sleeping a bit difficult. (Without the slant, the patient usually wakes up with a headache and often with nausea.) Anything that assists in rapid, deep, and refreshing sleep would be useful.
As a shunted person, I know I function better in the winter than I do in the summer. My IQ seems to drop in the summer. I hope this cap is something that a person can move around in while wearing.
I suspect that narcoleptics (I am one of those too) might well be helped by this cap. We tend to go back and forth between an extreme desire to sleep and a hyper inability to sleep--as a result of the medications we have to take to stay awake. Provigil tends to work best between ten and midnight rather than in the morning when most folks want to be awake. Anything that helps a narcoleptic sleep at a normal time would be welcome.

Jacqueline of VA 7:42PM June 15, 2011

Try writing a journal. I do this when times are stressful and falling asleep is a nightmare. I found writing my thoughts and to do lists down before bed helped tremendously, and I would have a peaceful mind and sleep more soundly.
You can always try some teas, which are safe and harmless to your body. In fact they usually have more benefits then just a good sleep. Sleepy time teas work wonders. Try Chamomile, Valerian Root, Lavender, or Hops. You can also put some lavender on your pillow.
You can find a list of foods and activities to avoid and ones that actually encourage sleep in the e-book called Get To Sleep Now! It's got 39 tips to fall asleep. http://instantlyfallasleep.com Certain things stimulate your brain like TV, reading, and bright lights. But there are loads of suggestions on what to do with your time leading up to bed.

RaZZZ of CA 10:58PM June 14, 2011