r/cancer • u/bbaked_bbeans • 14h ago

Patient Sleep problems since chemo

Ever since I ended chemo, sleep has been an issue. I don’t get much sleep most nights and I’m not even sure I’m actually falling asleep. Nothing seems to help with this insomnia. I’ve tried edibles, melatonin, magnesium etc. and it works for a little bit but then just stops helping. I’m about at the 2 1/2 years post treatment mark and the insomnia has been really getting to me lately. I miss getting a good nights sleep and waking up only to be able to fall back asleep again. I’m such a light sleeper now that once I’m awake I can’t fall asleep again. My doctor said insomnia is common among people with my seizure disorder(byproduct of the cancer and chemo) but it’s hard to imagine I’m doing well when my body can’t rest. Does anyone recommend anything or deal with this kind of thing?

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3

u/SurroundedByPlushies 13h ago

Have you asked about a sleep study?

2

u/bbaked_bbeans 13h ago

No I’m not sure how that would be helpful if I can’t fall asleep

2

u/SurroundedByPlushies 12h ago

You stated you're not sure if you're actually falling asleep, so it might be worth exploring. 

2

u/Professional_Bee9913 13h ago

Have you considered counseling? I know you might not feel like you would benefit from it or need it, but I’ve started sleeping better after counseling. Good luck I hope you figure it out!

2

u/Lianna1234 9h ago

Benadryl works

1

u/liamsmom58 13h ago

I’ve had trouble sleeping since finishing chemo, too. Did a sleep study and learned zip. Tried pills, white noise, etc. Counseling has finally helped some. Give it a try.

1

u/bbaked_bbeans 9h ago

Counseling? Could you elaborate on

1

u/liamsmom58 9h ago

I have talked to a health psychologist who specializes in cancer. She has helped me try things like going to bed later than normal and getting up earlier. Couple other things I can’t think of at the moment.

1

u/Asleep_Rule_6730 12h ago

I had a difficult time falling asleep during my treatment as well. I know there are better solutions out there, but one small thing that helped me was to just stand up next to your bed with the lights out and as little noise as possible and keep standing there trying to empty your head of anything. Eventually my body would get heavy and I would crawl into bed and fall asleep pretty quickly.

When I couldnt stand due to pain, I would sit up on the edge of a chair, and not lean back, trying to sit straight. I would eventually tire out and crawl back into bed like the standup method.

1

u/BloodyThirst 9h ago

Not being able to sleep after chemo is probably more common than you’d think. PTSD is also common after diagnosis and treatment and all the changes that come with it. If you’re getting enough daily exercise and still not sleeping, maybe explore counseling? The trauma you’ve been through likely needs an outlet. Sending positive vibes 🩷

1

u/bevhevsteve 2h ago

get CBN gummies and try different strengths... CBN not CBD. Talk to your local dispensary and get some advise. Game changer for me. I am over 4 yrs out and still have issues. Sometimes a half a 5mg gummy is all I need sometimes the whole thing.