Cancer and Sleep
patient Resources
Many patients with cancer have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night. Opioids can also disrupt sleep patterns in ways we don’t yet fully understand.
Problems with sleep can make chronic pain even worse. But getting enough good sleep can improve your mental and physical health, your mood, your ability to cope with stress and pain, and your overall well-being.
Sleep Tips and FAQ
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Try the following tips to improve your sleep:
Stay active during the day
Spend time outside during the day
Stick to a schedule or routine bedtime
Keep your bedroom quiet and dark
Do something relaxing before bed
Go to bed when you feel tired or sleepy
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Daytime activities can have an impact on your sleep. To improve the quality of your sleep, try to avoid the following:
Taking too many naps during the day
Exercising late in the evening
Alcohol and tobacco
Caffeine in the afternoon and evening
Large meals shortly before bed
Bright lights from screens before bed
Some medications may also disrupt sleep. Ask your healthcare team about all of the medicines you take to see if any may be making it harder for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.
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It may be helpful to start a sleep journal or daily log to keep track of your symptoms. Write down things you notice about your sleep patterns, such as:
What time you go to bed and wake up the next morning
Any issues with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up in the middle of the night
Any naps you take during the day
Make note of things that help you sleep and things that keep you from sleeping well. Sharing this information with your healthcare team can help you make a plan to improve your sleep.
Resource Download
Cancer & Sleep
This tip sheet is not a replacement for medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about what is safe for you based on your medical history.
Watch Videos
To continue learning, explore our educational videos.
Opioid Safety
What every patient should know
Cancer Pain
Making a plan that works for you