Q: Do you recommend medication to treat insomnia during/after cancer treatment?Ī: If your provider recommends any medications for insomnia, they should only be taken for a short period of time. Q: What is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia?Ī: Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches an individual how to control thought processes when trying to relax, and how to get the mind and body to relax in order to enhance sleep. Many of the supplements that are advertised for insomnia could interfere with your cancer treatment. Q: Do you recommend any over-the-counter supplements to treat insomnia?Ī: It's important during cancer treatment that any sort of supplements you're considering for insomnia should be thoroughly reviewed with your care team. If these strategies are not working for you, please speak with your cancer team or call the Adult Survivorship Program at Dana-Farber (61) to learn more about professional treatment from insomnia. Try taking a warm bath or drinking chamomile tea to aid in relaxation.Use deep breathing exercises to help you relax.Talk about fears and worries early in the day, not at bedtime.Effective types of integrative therapies to try at bedtime include: muscle relaxation, biofeedback, imagery, hypnosis, and thought stopping.If you can't fall asleep, get out of bed, leave the bedroom, and return when sleepy.Use your bed only for sleep and sexual activity.Get regular exercise, but don't exercise within three hours of your bedtime.Limit daytime naps to 30 minutes and avoid napping in the late afternoon.Go to bed and get up at the same time each day, seven days a week.Consider moving any clocks out of view of your bed.Avoid drinking alcohol, especially 4-8 hours prior to bedtime.Avoid smoking, and limit your caffeine intake.Consider using earplugs or wearing a sleep mask Make sure your bedroom is free from light and noise.Remove electronic devices from the bedroom.Avoid watching TV or working in the bedroom.Avoid eating heavy meals, spicy foods, or sugary items close to bedtime.Here are some strategies you can try on your own: Improve Sleep Behaviors It is important they are aware of any medical or psychiatric side effects of your treatment. ![]() Q: Is there anything I can do on my own to help my insomnia before I seek therapy?Ī: First, make sure your oncologist or care team is aware of your sleep problems. Other non-cancer medications that can affect sleep include: If possible, try to take the steroids early in the day. Q: Do certain cancer treatments or medications affect sleep more than others?Ī: Patients who receive steroids as part of their chemotherapy treatment are more likely to experience sleep problems. ![]()
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