Sleep after cancer: What you need to know

It's common to feel tired and fatigued after completing cancer treatment. In fact, some people feel this way for months or even years after they finish treatment. This lack of energy can come from the physical and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The good news? Getting good-quality sleep can help restore your energy.

Ironically, though, good sleep can be hard to come by after treatment. In one study of breast cancer survivors, more than one-third experienced sleep difficulties. They reported having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early.

If you're experiencing similar sleep problems, know that there's hope. Sleep quality often gets better the further from treatment you are. And there are several things you can do to get a more restful night's sleep. Here's what Mayo Clinic experts recommend:

Set up your space

Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Too much evening light can make it more difficult to fall asleep. Consider using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan or white noise to create a soothing environment.

Stick to a sleep schedule

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends. Being consistent helps set your body's sleep-wake cycle.

Unwind before bedtime

Avoid watching screens — like phones, tablets or TVs — just before bedtime. Do calming activities instead, like taking a bath, reading a book or meditating.

Don't lie awake in bed

If you don't fall asleep within about 20 minutes of going to bed, get up, leave your room and do something relaxing. For instance, read a book or listen to soothing music. Then go back to bed when you're tired. Repeat as needed.

Limit daytime naps

Long daytime naps can interfere with nighttime sleep. Try to limit naps to no more than one hour and avoid napping late in the day.

Get moving

Regular physical activity can help you sleep better at night. But avoid being active too close to bedtime since activity can keep you awake in the short term.

Manage worries

Spend time winding down mentally and emotionally before you go to bed. If your day has been crowded, stress management techniques can help. For instance, some people find it helpful to write down what's still on their mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.

Relaxation exercises, like guided imagery or meditation, also can help ease anxiety. One exercise includes thinking about specific things you're grateful for at the end of the day.

Talk to your healthcare team

If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your healthcare team. They can help identify and treat any causes of insomnia.

  1. Haddad TC, et al., eds. Staying healthy. In: Beyond Breast Cancer: A Mayo Clinic Guide to Healing and Wellness. Mayo Clinic Press; 2023.
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