We know that when we get enough rest, we think more clearly, our appetite improves, our immune system strengthens, blood pressure decreases, among other benefits.
The difficulty in achieving adequate rest is common during cancer treatment, with 50% of patients experiencing it.
It is important to know the causes to be able to resolve sleep disorders:
- Side effects of treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Side effects of medications.
- Stress, anxiety, depression, or fear.
- Anemia.
- Poor nutrition or dehydration.
- Pain or discomfort.
Fortunately, there are different alternatives to resolve it and significantly improve sleep quality. Consult your doctor to find the root of the problem and address it precisely. Surely a set of actions (not just medications) will lead you to achieve rest that improves your quality of life.
Actions such as:
- Relieving discomfort.
- Adjusting medications.
- Facing the battle against cancer with the help of a clinical psychologist.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation therapy. For example, a cognitive-behavioral therapy specialist can help you learn to transform negative beliefs and thoughts at bedtime into positive thoughts. Strategies such as muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and self-hypnosis have also proven beneficial.
- Thanatology to find meaning and hope; the illness can also become an opportunity for change and renewal to live in the here and now.
- Surrounding yourself with people who support and enhance your quality of life.
- Establishing good sleep habits. Choosing reasonable hours, avoiding television or cell phones a couple of hours before going to bed.
- Sleeping in a quiet, dark, and cool room.
- Exercising during the day, not at night.
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in magnesium. Sleeping medications. If other strategies do not work, it is likely that the doctor will prescribe sleeping medications for a short time. The sleeping medication will depend on the specific problem you have (such as not being able to fall asleep or not being able to stay asleep), as well as other medications you are taking.
It is evident that there are many strategies to improve sleep quality; the important thing is to take action and find the most convenient solution to receive all the benefits of good rest and improve our quality of life. Each patient is unique; at LIV Integral Oncology, we offer the right support to win this battle together.