Yes, cancer treatment can interfere with your sleep quality and pattern. But you can still enhance and soothe your day-to-day sleep. As we all know, one of the body's most effective healing resources is sleep. Good sleep boosts your energy, supports emotional health, and aids in the proper operation of your immune system.
However, getting a decent night's sleep might seem nearly impossible for some cancer patients. Sleep issues are frequent, but they can be controlled. These issues include physical discomfort, adverse drug reactions, mental stress, and disturbed patterns. Speak with your doctor at the best cancer hospital in Siliguri or near you for expert advice.
This blog tells you about the reasons why cancer treatment interferes with sleep, and most importantly, how you can enhance your sleep using simple, considerate, and scientifically supported ways.
Knowing Why Sleep Issues Occur During Cancer Treatment
You must know that sleep problems during or after cancer therapy are quite common. Here, you can take action to effectively control these disruptions if you know what causes them.
- Reactions to Therapy
Side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and hormone treatments include nausea, discomfort, exhaustion, and night sweats, all of which can make your sleep difficult. Certain drugs, such as steroids, may cause you to feel more restless or nervous at night when used during treatments.
- Emotional Stress and Anxiety: There is no doubt that emotional difficulties are inevitable after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Your mind may run at night if you worry about the future, your health, or your loved ones. It may be difficult to fall or remain asleep as a result of this anxiousness.
- Physical Discomfort and Pain: One of the most frequent causes of insufficient sleep in cancer patients is pain. Physical pain can make it challenging to relax or fall asleep, even with minimal pain. Seek guidance from an expert specialist near you.
- Modifications to the Environment and Routine: Your everyday schedule is often interrupted by hospital stays, doctors' appointments, and treatment plans. It may be more difficult for you to achieve regular sleep if you nap more during the day or sleep at different times.
- Fatigue Paradox: Regular fatigue is not the same as cancer-related fatigue. You might still feel tired after resting, which could result in additional naps during the day and less sleep at night. Your sleep will improve with time; do not worry about that.
Common Sleep Problems in Cancer Patients
People receiving cancer treatment may encounter various sleep problems, including:
-
Having trouble falling asleep, remaining asleep, or waking up too early is known as insomnia.
-
Uncomfortable leg sensations that make it difficult to unwind are known as restless leg syndrome.
-
Daytime fatigue is very common, like feeling worn out even after getting enough sleep.
-
Breathing disruptions during sleep, which can exacerbate exhaustion, are known as sleep apnea.
-
Anxiety, drugs, or trauma can all cause nightmares or vivid dreams.
Your healthcare team will be there to support you and personalize your care.
Learn Some Practical Tips to Manage Sleep During Cancer Treatment
1. Set a Calm Bedtime Schedule
Your body knows it's time to relax when you establish a regular nightly routine. Try the following:
-
Even on the weekends, set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
-
Before going to bed, try your best to spend 30 to 60 minutes engaging in calming activities like reading, stretching, or listening to soothing music.
-
Before going to bed, steer clear of stimulating activities like watching TV, checking emails, or browsing social media.
Maintaining consistency facilitates natural sleep by balancing your body's internal clock.
One of the biggest obstacles to sound sleep is pain. Never be afraid to talk to your doctor or nurse about managing your pain. Effective pain relief could consist of:
-
Modifying the timing of medication to provide pain relief throughout the night.
-
To relieve pressure points and achieve a comfortable position, use supportive pillows.
-
To relax muscles, apply warm compresses or a gentle massage.
Your cancer doctor can often change the dosage or choose a different prescription if your painkiller keeps you up at night.
2. Establish a Cozy Sleep Environment
Your environment has a major impact on how well you sleep, and you attempt to:
-
Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and comfy at night.
-
Make use of a supportive mattress and soft, breathable bedding.
-
Limit the use of electronics and strong lights in space.
-
If noise is a problem, think about utilizing earplugs or white noise devices.
You can relax and fall asleep more quickly in a calm setting.
3. Watch What You Eat and Drink Before Sleep
Some foods and beverages might cause sleep disturbances. While receiving cancer treatment:
-
Do avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and evening, including tea, coffee, chocolate, and some sodas.
-
Make sure not to eat large or spicy meals right before bed to avoid indigestion or heartburn.
-
Drink plenty of water during the day, but cut back a few hours before bed to prevent repeated trips to the restroom.
-
Try little foods like toast or crackers before bed if nausea keeps you up at night.
Sleep and general recovery are both aided by a balanced diet.
4. Don't Take Many Naps During the Day
Naps during the day can be appealing due to the extreme fatigue that comes with cancer treatment. Long or late naps may disrupt your sleep at night, although short naps can be beneficial.
Attempt to:
-
Naps should not last longer than 30 minutes.
-
Take a nap before 3 p.m.
-
To keep your energy and circadian rhythm stable, get some natural sunlight and light exercise.
This makes sure you're sufficiently occupied throughout the day to get a good night's sleep. But if you need naps during the day, make sure to have them.
Conclusion
Consult your healthcare expert for assistance if sleep issues last for several weeks or have a substantial impact on your mood, focus, or vitality. You might be directed to a palliative care team, an oncology counselor, or a sleep specialist who can provide focused strategies. Visit the best cancer hospital in Siliguri, like Hope & Heal Cancer Hospital, or one near you.
It may be challenging to manage sleep issues while undergoing cancer treatment, but it is definitely achievable. You may increase your chances of getting the restorative sleep your body needs by taking a few steps. These include setting a relaxing nighttime routine, controlling discomfort, improving your sleeping environment, and managing mental stress. Get expert advice today from your doctor.
