Many people will experience insomnia (difficulty sleeping) at some point during their cancer journey.
This can be due to lots of different reasons and can include:
- Symptoms caused by the cancer (such as pain or sickness)
- Side effects of treatment
- Worry, anxiety or depression
What are the benefits of sleep?
- Body repairs and regulates cells, tissues, and muscles.
- Brain processes thoughts and emotions.
- Energy increases for the next day.
- Immune system is boosted.
- Mood is regulated
Tips to improve sleep video
The video below provides tips and hints to improve sleep, including how much sleep you need and how to promote good sleep hygiene.
Maggie’s sleep workshop
Maggie’s sleep workshop is a two-hour interactive workshop, in a group setting, at Maggie’s Middlesbrough. Maggie’s explore the science behind sleep and discuss how a cancer diagnosis can impact this. They also review and explore the evidence behind building a healthy bedtime routine and sleep environment in order to improve sleep quality. There is also a taster relaxation exercise within the session.
If you are interested in attending, please book via Maggie’s Middlesbrough, by dropping in when at The James Cook University Hospital or call 01642 449737 for more information.
The Sleep Better Series
The Sleep Better Series helps you improve your sleep by sharing valuable information on what sleep is, why it is important, and how you can improve it. Consisting of six modules, it includes a module specifically on sleep and cancer, covering the effects cancer has on your sleep, from pre-diagnosis to post-treatment.
Live Well with Cancer, who developed this series, also developed The Sleep Better Booklet, with information and helpful tips for patients.