Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Insomnia

Pamm7d0ab0
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 167 views

I have had 2 wide excisions and diep flap reconstruction after idcis  I am now on a course of tamoxifen for 5 years.

I have problems trying to get to sleep at night and when I do sleep i wake up at 2 or 3 o/c in the morning and cannot get back to sleep.I  have contacted my GP but have been put on a waiting list for a routine appointment-I don’t know how long I wi;ll have to wait. I also suffer with stiffness in my joints and take sulfazalazine for Osteo arthritis

Are you able to recommend any therapies that may help me sleep at night which will not interfere with my medication.

I aim to go for several long walks very week so I take regular exercise-I am 75

  • Hi Pamm7d0ab0,

    Thank you for contacting us and welcome to our online community. I’m Lorna one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the support line.

    I’m sorry to hear that you have been having trouble sleeping (insomnia) following your treatment for breast cancer. Insomnia can be a common problem for people living with cancer and can be caused by several reasons.

    It's important to speak to your GP or cancer team if you feel your fatigue or sleep issues are related to your cancer treatment or side effects from medications you are taking for osteoarthritis or tamoxifen. They will be able to assess you and may suggest additional treatments that might help you.

    If you are in pain or uncomfortable at night and this is keeping you awake, you should speak to your GP, who will be able to review any pain you have and prescribe any pain medication you may need.

    You may be struggling to get to sleep because of stress and anxiety, and worry about how you are going to cope the next day, or how this will impact any treatment you are having. You might find this information helpful.

    Physical activity can help and I’m glad to see this is something you are considering. You might also find complementary therapies useful. Or you may want to pay for apps such as Headspace or Calm.

    Sleepio offer a 6-week sleep improvement programme that can help, and you can sign up for free. Penny Brohn have online relaxation courses too.

    Sometimes it helps to talk to others on the forum about your insomnia and what remedies worked for them.

    I hope this is helpful.

    Please dont hesitate to get back in touch with us if you have any more questions.


    Best wishes,

    Lorna-Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can touch via our Support Line on 0808 808 0000. We’re open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm. You can also talk to us on webchat.

    You can call us and speak to our nurses directly if you’d like to talk things through.

     Ref: LB/LJ








    Lorna-Macmillan (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007