Insomnia's Impact on Cancer Treatment: A Closer Look

Insomnia's Impact on Cancer Treatment: A Closer Look

Cashew, yo! So, battle with cancer’s got ya draggin', huh? It's a legit struggle when your energy is zapped, and sleep sometimes feels as elusive as Loch Ness' Monster. Hell, they ain't kiddin' when they call cancer treatments exhausting!

Now, here's a twist – sleep often ducks out when you need it most. Oncologist Tiffany Onger, MD stirs it up, "Sleeplessness often tags along with fatigue after cancer treatment. It's one of the most regular complaints we hear."

Let's dive into why you're pulling those all-nighters – there's more to it than meets the eye.

What fuels those sleepless nights?

Hey, cancer treatment ain’t just rough on your body; it messes with your sleep too. Dr. Onger spills the beans, "It's a multifactorial situation; several things are going against getting a good night's rest."

Here are some of the top culprits:

• Pills: Many cancer meds include steroids (like dexamethasone) to ease pain and swelling. At first glance, they seem promising, but they can wreak havoc on your sleep.
• Side effects: Cancer treatment brings a lot of discomfort, and lingerin' pain ain't a good bedfellow.
• Tubes: Tubes used for fluid drainage after a procedure aren't exactly comfy when you try to catch some ZZZs.
• Snoozin' in the day: Taking naps when ya tired might seem like a good idea, but it can mess with your sleep rhythm, creating a pesky cycle.
• Stress: Cancer ain't easy on the mind either. The uncertainty and the pressure of it all can keep ya awake at night.

Copy when you can't doze

Sleeplessness ain't no joke; it affects you both physically and emotionally. Dr. Onger advises, "If you're tossing and turning for more'n a few nights, holler at your care team. They can help ya figure out what's keepin' you up."

Keeping a sleep journal may help 'em zero in on the main sleep-disturber. Jot down sleep times, things that may be disruptin' your shuteye, and how long ya spend logged in that sack.

"Don't let sleep problems linger," encourages Dr. Onger. "Start a conversation 'cause, trust us, there're always options."

But remember, not to go tamperin' with yer meds to try to address sleep issues. Chat with yer doctor instead!

Can sleep meds be prescribed?

Unfortunately, not everyone's a good candidate for sleep meds, but sometimes they can lend a hand. Dr. Onger shares, "Sleep aids can play a part, but we want to be thoughtful and careful 'bout it all."

Tips to conk out better

Gettin' the sleep you need comes down to good sleep hygiene – a fancy name for yer bedtime routine and bedroom environment. Sometimes slight adjustments can make a big difference:

1. Transform yer bedroom into a cozy cave – make it dark, quiet, and cool.
2. Keep a regular sleep schedule – go to bed and rise at the same time daily. This consistency can help solidify the sleep-wake cycle in yer body.
3. Nap during the day sparingly – try to restrict daytime naps to an hour or less.
4. Get some mild exercise during the day – being tired from physical activity can make it easier to nod off.
5. Cut back on caffeine – especially late in the day.
6. Avoid boozin' – alcohol can mess with yer sleep quality.
7. Shun screens an hour before bedtime – screens can stimulate the brain, keeping ya awake.
8. Shun late-night snacks – avoid eatin' in the three hours before bedtime and limit liquids too.
9. Calm yer mind – try relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
10. Unload yer worries – journalin' to get the tensions out of yer head can help ya sleep easier.

The last word

There's no denyin' that cancer treatment's a challenge, but remember, ya ain't alone in dealing with insomnia. During those hard times, focus on the fact that the situation is temporary.

Dr. Onger offers a soothing word, "Treatment side effects like sleeplessness don't stick around forever. They might hang around a while longer than we'd like, but the expectation is that things will improve."

Stay strong, warrior!

1. "The multifactorial reasons behind sleeplessness after cancer treatment can include medications like steroids, which may be used for pain management but can disrupt sleep."
2. "Sleeplessness can affect both your physical and emotional health, so if you find yourself tossing and turning for more than a few nights, it's crucial to reach out to your care team for help."
3. "In some cases, sleep aids may be prescribed to help with sleep issues, but they must be used thoughtfully and carefully under a doctor's guidance."
4. "Maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as creating a cozy and dark bedroom, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding screens before bed, can help improve sleep quality and duration."

Read also: