Receiving news of a cancer diagnosis can often trigger a time of great uncertainty. Whether the diagnosis is for yourself or a loved one, it is often accompanied by feelings of dread, sadness, and anxiety. Those negative emotions can significantly impact your ability to concentrate during the day and relax at night.
Similarly, cancer treatments and the side-effects of various drugs can have an impact on finding restful sleep.
During the day, there are usually plenty of commitments to take up your time, and plenty of people around who might need your attention. Be it in your own home, at a place of work, or perhaps at a medical appointment – there are no shortage of distractions.
But what happens toward the end of the day? Maybe your friends have gone home. Family members or housemates are in bed. There aren’t any more tasks to complete. Things slow down, and your surroundings get quiet. Perhaps too quiet.
The time before bed may once have been a relaxing time to look forward to. Unfortunately, when the house is quiet and no one else is around, it can fast become the most emotionally difficult time of day.
At night, it can be a challenge to stop your mind racing, and that can make sleep seem impossible. And so you lay in bed, awake. The more you try to sleep, the less relaxed you are. It’s not long before you abandon your bed and spend the rest of the night trying to take your mind off things.
“The night is so long and lonely. Tried 2 meditation videos for sleep which kept me off the internet but sleep? Nope.”
Community member, New to the Community forum
Being up all night can feel quite lonely. Despite how it might appear, we can assure you that you’re not the only one going through the night with lots on your mind. When support services are closed, and your friends, family, and colleagues may all be asleep, there is a place of comfort and help that is always open.
The beauty of the Online Community is that no matter where you are based or what time it is, it is open for you to read and post on, whenever you need it.
“3am is the worst. The days are so long. I don't wish this on anyone but I'm ashamed to say that at 3am tomorrow it will give me a smidgen of comfort knowing others are also awake. I realise it's a very selfish thought. Wish there was a way we could all chat at that time.”
Former member, Bereaved spouses and partners forum
Although the Online Community is always accessible, if you are hoping to have some back-and-forth chatter with others online, nights can make the areas you would normally post in a lot quieter. It can be hard to know where other users are so you can have your posts seen.
Fortunately, there is a solution! There are places on the Online Community where people can gather and interact throughout the night, even if they’re normally posting in different areas.
One great example of some through-the-night support is the “AWAKE” thread, hosted in the Breast cancer forum. It has been supporting sleepless members of the Breast cancer forum for over 8 years now, which is an incredible achievement!
“This can be a lonely journey especially in these dark hours, but it definitely helps to know there are many others who feel exactly as you do.”
Community member, Breast cancer forum
Inspired by the continuing success of the AWAKE thread in the Breast cancer forum, we felt it was a good time to create an official central discussion thread for people to chat on, no matter what their cancer type or experience.
We’re therefore very pleased to announce our brand new “Awake and up all night” thread in the Cancer chat forum. It’s a central place for all Online Community members to connect, no matter what their diagnosis or connection to someone living with cancer.
Whether you need some emotional support, or you just want to chat about your day, we hope you’ll always find a fellow ‘night owl’ to talk to.
“I'll be checking in regularly and if any other midnight oil burners are about in the twilight hours, I'm always up for a chunter.”
Community member, Awake and up all night thread
“I was told on Sunday that I almost certainly have a tumour on the side of my tongue. Still in shock, and it's sometimes making 3am feel like the loneliest place in the world. So this thread is very welcome.”
Community member, Awake and up all night thread
There is support waiting for you on the Online Community, day or night. The next time you’re up during the small hours, why not drop in and say hello? You’ll always be very welcome:
Visit the ‘Awake and up all night thread’
If you have any questions or feedback about anything mentioned in the blog, please contact the Online Community Team directly by sending an email to community@macmillan.org.uk.
