INSOMNIA

INSOMNIA

What is insomnia?

Insomnia (in-SAHM-nee-uh) is trouble sleeping. People with insomnia may be unable to fall asleep, may wake up at night, or may wake up too early and be unable to go back to sleep.

Why would I have insomnia?

Some medications can cause insomnia. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medications might be part of a sleeping problem.
Stress, anxiety, or depression may cause insomnia.
Pain can make it difficult to sleep well.

Being in the hospital can cause sleep problems for some people. You may have trouble sleeping in the hospital for any of the following reasons:

Changes in your daily routine
Being in a strange or unfamiliar place
Spending time in bed while awake
Noisy roommates
Noisy machines
Being woken up at night for medicine or nursing care
Getting less sunlight than normal
Getting less exercise than normal

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you are worried about sleeping or have questions about insomnia.

What can I do to get a better night's sleep?

Diet

Drink some milk or herbal tea shortly before going to bed.
Drink one glass of wine or beer if this usually relaxes you. However, too much alcohol can make you wake up during the night.

Exercise

Increase your physical activity during the day, at least 4-5 hours before you plan to sleep. Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Supportive Care

Talking with someone, such as a family member, friend, minister, doctor, or nurse about things that are worrying you may help you get a better night's sleep.
Insomnia can be treated with prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, or relaxation techniques. Most sleep problems can be solved without any medicine. Ask your doctor or nurse about relaxation techniques if you think this might help you.

Getting Ready to Sleep

Get up at the same time every morning, even if you slept poorly that night. Go to bed at about the same time every night. Sleep just enough every night to feel rested. Do not sleep during the day.
Stay in bed only to sleep. Read and watch television from a chair or couch.
Plan quiet, restful activities for the 2-3 hours before bedtime. Take a walk, watch television or a movie, read a book, write a letter, or listen to music.
Wear ear plugs at night to reduce noise.
Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature.
Do not become anxious if you cannot fall asleep after 30 minutes. Get out of bed and do something relaxing until you get sleepy.
If you have pain from your illness, take pain medicine before going to sleep and on a regular schedule at night. Set an alarm or have someone wake you up to take pain medicine. If you wake up in severe pain, you may not be able to fall asleep easily.

What should I AVOID to get a better night's sleep?

AVOID eating or drinking caffeine -- coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, or chocolate
AVOID eating heavy meals right before going to bed
AVOID drinking lots of fluid before bedtime
AVOID using nicotine products -- cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco
AVOID taking diuretics, or "water pills," in the late evening
AVOID nonprescription medications with alcohol. Some medications contain enough alcohol to disturb some people’s sleep.

What should I know about medicine for sleep problems?

Medications are available for treating insomnia. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information.

If sleeping medications are prescribed:

Take it near the time you normally go to sleep. Do not wait until you are frustrated or anxious about being unable to sleep.
Take the dose of sleep medicine your doctor prescribes.
Call the doctor if your sleep medication is not working.

These patient information materials should be used in conjunction with verbal counseling. They are not intended as the sole source of information patients receive about managing cancer therapy complications.