Difficulty sleeping

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for maintaining your energy levels, reducing fatigue, and improving mood. Difficulty sleeping may be caused by pain, breathlessness, anxiety or depression. Some medicines can also disrupt sleep. If you already had sleep problems before the lung cancer diagnosis, these can become worse.

Talk to your doctor about what might be helpful for you. Your medicines may need adjusting or sleep medicines may be an option. There are also a number of strategies that other people with cancer have found helpful.

Getting a better night’s sleep

Try to do some gentle physical activity every day. Exercising may help you to sleep better. An exercise physiologist or physiotherapist can tailor an exercise program for you. For more on this, see Exercise and cancer.

• Limit or cut out alcohol, caffeinated drinks, nicotine and spicy food.
• Avoid watching television or using a computer, smartphone or tablet before bed, as their light tells your body it’s time to wake up.
• Follow a regular routine before bed and set up a calm sleeping environment. Ensure the room is dark, quiet and a comfortable temperature.
• Practise mindfulness, such as listening to a meditation or relaxation recording. Or listen to gentle relaxation music.

→ READ MORE: Life after treatment

Podcast: Sleep and Cancer

Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer