So I have been recently diagnosed with glioma and am due for an operation of Friday November 7 th. I have not been sleeping and was prescribed zopiclone for 14 nights. I am reluctant to use it so I toss and turn. Please advise I am tired is it best to avoid a short term fix
Doug
Dear Doug,
Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I hope you find it a helpful and supportive way to communicate with others. My name is Isobel one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialist, on the Macmillan Support Line.
Sleep difficulties, are unfortunately very common when someone is affected by cancer. There are many reasons for this, and they are individual to the person.
Doctors are generally reluctant to prescribe sleeping tablets and only tend to do so for short term help. Your GP will have recognised that this is a difficult time for you, an upcoming brain operation and a diagnosis of a glioma is a lot to process. In this instance the Zopiclone, taken as recommended, as a short-term measure could be helpful for you.
Worry and anxiety are normal reactions when diagnosed with cancer. These feelings can come and go, depending on what is happening at the time. This can affect your daily life and your sleep.
It is not unusual for concerns and worries to surface at night when there is no one to talk to. It is natural for anyone with cancer to have many feelings, such as fear, anger or frustration. You may find it beneficial to talk about how you are feeling either with someone you know and trust, or you can call the Macmillan support line if you would prefer to talk to someone who is not so close to you, many find it easier to talk to a professional.
Strategies such as setting a good bedtime routine can be also helpful. This can include things like switching off electronic devices a couple of hours before bedtime, avoiding anything that is anxiety inducing such as some TV programmes. Generally allowing your brain and body to wind down from the day. Relaxation techniques may also help over time.
The Sleepio app is a 6 week programme to help with sleep, if you have access to a smart phone this may be useful in the longer term.
I hope this information is helpful and allows you to feel more confident following your GP’s advice.
Please know that you can contact our helpline and speak to one of our cancer information nurses if you need to discuss this in more detail. Sometimes a 2-way conversation can be very beneficial.
Best wishes,
Isobel Y, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ IY/LB
