Staying well-rested is crucial to give your body the strength it needs for successful cancer treatment. Unfortunately, chemotherapy may induce sleep disorders, and the anxiety of your battle can make getting quality rest difficult. However, there are a few strategies you can employ to improve your odds of sleeping through the night. Here’s a closer look at what you can do to help.

How to Get Better Sleep While Undergoing Chemotherapy

1. Form a Routine

Whether you like it or not, humans are creatures of habit, and you’ll have an easier time falling asleep if you stick to the same routine each night. Everyone has to find a nightly routine that works for them—for some, a warm shower is a perfect way to unwind and relax the body, preparing it for bed. For others, drinking tea and journaling help them bring the day to a close. Whatever routine works for you, try to avoid screen time, as the blue light from phones, TVs, and laptops can signal to your brain that you should be awake, delaying natural sleepiness.

2. Target Stress

Stress is a major sleep disruptor, but when you’re undergoing cancer treatment, it’s an unavoidable part of the process. What’s essential is finding a healthy way to process the stress so it doesn’t keep you from resting.

Some find their nightly journaling an effective outlet for stress, frustrations, and fears. For others, talking with friends or family members can keep anxiety and depression to a minimum. Regular light exercise is also wise, as the exertion can release tension and help you fall asleep.

3. Adjust Your Diet

What you eat and drink can have a much larger impact on your sleep patterns than you might imagine. Obviously, drinking caffeinated beverages too late can make it difficult to fall asleep, but other foods and drinks are more subtle in their effect.

For example, you might associate alcohol with drowsiness, and while it might help you fall asleep, it can disrupt your sleep cycles. Additionally, eating too close to bedtime or consuming spicy and fatty foods can induce heartburn or indigestion.

The battle against cancer is best fought with caring professionals by your side. For those in Anchorage, Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC is the source for cancer treatments like chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy. They’ll work to find the approach that best meets your preexisting conditions, medications, and other critical life factors. Learn more about their treatments by calling (907) 279-3155 or visiting their website.