Breast Cancer and Sleep

Sleep issues are very common, especially for people going through cancer treatment and recovery. Patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer report sleep issues at a rate of about double the typical population, as it can understandably be very stressful to worry about finances, lost wages, side effects, and prognosis. 

While it is typical for sleep to be somewhat disturbed in the immediate postoperative period, nearly half of breast cancer survivors continue to have consistent insomnia after treatment. During treatment, other side effects may also play a role in sleep issues, including headache, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and night sweats. 

Although it is normal to occasionally have trouble sleeping, especially during periods of high stress, getting the right amount of sleep as often as possible is important for your overall health. Fortunately, there are things we can do to promote a good night's sleep:

• Having a consistent bedtime.
• Sleeping in a dark, quiet room.
• Making sure the room is at a comfortable temperature.
• Avoiding screens in the bedroom.
• Exercising regularly.

Insufficient sleep has been strongly linked to obesity and increased anxiety and depression, which are all established risk factors for many types of cancer. Being well-rested is as important as maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding more direct risk factors such as alcohol. Even though sleep may feel secondary after receiving a diagnosis, do not hesitate to bring up the topic with your healthcare provider if timely. Cancer patients are more prone to sleep disorders, and sleeping well is an essential part of maintaining and returning to normalcy. 

Source: Breast Cancer and Sleep, Mary Nolan-Pleckham, RN, Published on October 11, 2022

 https://www.verywellhealth.com/breast-cancer-and-sleep-6741453