Insomnia Connected to Cancer Treatment Methods
Battling cancer is a tough fight, and the exhaustion that comes with it is no joke. Chemo, radiation, and other treatments can make you feel drained to your core, and sleep often seems like an impossible dream.
Treatment for cancer can wreak havoc on your Z's. Oncologist Tiffany Onger, MD, explains, "It's a cruel irony that sleeplessness often goes hand in hand with fatigue following cancer treatment." Here's why those restless nights are happening and what you can do about it.
Sleep Saboteurs
From medications to stress, there are many factors at play when it comes to cancer-induced insomnia. Dr. Onger says, "It's multifactorial, with many different things working against getting good sleep."
- Medications: Many cancer treatments include corticosteroids like dexamethasone to manage pain and swelling. While they offer relief, they can also impact your sleep.
- Treatment side effects: Your body goes through a lot during treatment, and lingering pain and discomfort can keep you up at night.
- Tubing: Tubes used for drainage following a procedure or treatment aren’t exactly comfy.
- Napping: Taking naps during the day to catch up on missed sleep can disrupt your sleep cycle at night.
- Stress: Anxiety and uncertainty about the disease can keep you awake at night.
Don't let sleepless nights become the norm. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're struggling to sleep for more than a few days in a row. Together, you can figure out the cause and find a solution.
Keeping a sleep diary can help identify patterns and triggers that are keeping you awake. Chart the times you're asleep and awake, as well as any factors that might be contributing to your insomnia.
Remember, don't adjust your medications on your own to try to address sleep issues. Work with your doctor to find options that work best for you.
Sleep Aids and Medication
In some cases, medication can help bring on those needed Z's. But sleep aids aren't for everyone. Dr. Onger says, "Sleep aids can play a role, but we want to be thoughtful and careful as we're adding in more medicines during the cancer journey."
If sleep aids are prescribed, use them under medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions with cancer treatments.
Better Sleep Habits
Creating a sleep-friendly environment and establishing healthy sleep habits can help promote restful sleep. Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep:
- Create a dark, quiet, and cool environment in your bedroom.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time.
- Avoid naps longer than one hour or close to bedtime.
- Engage in some physical activity during the day to help tire you out.
- Limit caffeine consumption, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
- Steer clear of alcohol as it can interfere with sleep quality.
- Limit screen time, especially in the hour before bedtime.
- Avoid late-night snacking and drink fluids sparingly close to bedtime to reduce trips to the bathroom.
- Relax with meditation, gentle yoga, or soothing music.
- Journal your worries earlier in the day to help clear your mind before bed.
Sleep plays a crucial role in the healing process. If you're struggling with insomnia, don't suffer in silence. Chat with your healthcare provider about solutions, and remember—things will get better.
- The exhaustion caused by cancer treatments like chemo and radiation can lead to insomnia, making sleep an elusive dream.
- Sleep disturbances in cancer patients are often multifactorial, with factors such as medications, treatment side effects, stress, and lifestyle habits playing a role.
- Creating a sleep-friendly environment and practicing healthy sleep habits, like establishing a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding screens before bed, can help promote restful sleep.
- If medications are necessary to improve sleep, it's important to use them under medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions with cancer treatments.
