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. This will help you sleep better. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can tailor an exercise program for you (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.

Listen to our podcast on Sleep and Cancer