Poor sleep
Women with metastatic breast cancer can experience some trouble sleeping at some time. The possible causes of poor sleep include:
- the side effects of some drugs
- anxiety or depression
- pain
Inform your doctor about any poor sleep that you experience, so that it can be evaluated and controlled as best as possible.
Treatment of poor sleep
- treating the underlying cause of poor sleep
- drugs to help you sleep
Some practical suggestions to help you sleep better are listed. These suggestions are based on the experience of health professionals working with women diagnosed with cancer, and from women themselves.
- Inform your doctor if pain or other symptoms are preventing you from sleeping.
- Gentle exercise each day, such as walking, can help you sleep at night. Your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist can show you simple exercises you can do even if you spend most of your time in a chair or in bed.
- If you find it hard to sleep at night because you are dozing during the day, try and develop a schedule of gentle activities or visits from friends so that you can maintain a normal daily rhythm.
- Avoid coffee, tea and caffeine drinks in the afternoon and evening.
- Drink a warm drink such as milk and honey or a cup of herbal tea before you go to sleep.
- Practise deep breathing and relaxation exercises or listen to relaxation tapes before you go to bed.
- A warm bath before you go to bed may help you sleep. Using essential oils such as lavender in your bath or on your pillow may help you sleep.
- Occasionally having a massage from a qualified massage therapist or a friend or partner may help you relax, sleep better and cope better with your symptoms.
- If you are unable to sleep at night, use the time to listen to music or read a book.
- You may be unable to sleep because of fears and concerns you have about yourself and your family. You may need to discuss your concerns with your family or friends, or you may want to talk to other women who are in a similar situation to yourself or to a trained counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
