I am posting on behalf of somebody else. We were discussing yesterday that she has started with vivid dreams that involve herself and her mother with memories from her childhood. This is not something that she has dreamt about before and wondered if this is something that other people experience?
Hello occubrooks
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I see that you are posting on behalf of a friend and hope this information is helpful.
As we don’t know anything about the person’s situation, we can’t say why they may be having more vivid dreams. However, this is something that affects many people with cancer and there can be various causes, which I have described below. It is common for vivid dreams to involve family members or childhood memories.
Vivid dreams might be due to side effects of medicines and cancer drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, steroids, pain medicines and immunotherapy.
Some cancers cause chemical imbalances in the body, or neurological or physical changes that affect brain function, and these might cause vivid dreams. Infection can lead to a high temperature and can affect dreaming.
The emotional effects of cancer such as anxiety, depression, distress or fear can lead to vivid dreams. Also sleep disturbances due to symptoms or side effects can lead to waking during the Rapid Eye Movement phase of sleep. Difficulty sleeping might be due to night sweats, pain, and trouble finding comfortable sleeping positions.
People having vivid dreams can talk to their treatment team to try to find any physical cause of the dreams. Doctors can sometimes adjust medicines to help. They can also refer to hospital psychological support services.
It can help to try to improve sleep patterns, reduce stress, and adapt lifestyle in ways such as avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and heavy meals before bed. We have tips about improving sleep on our website and the Sleepio app that helps with sleep problems and anxiety.
Practising breathing and relaxation exercises can help to reduce stress, such as Maggies relaxation and visualisation.
Mind-body therapies such as medication and yoga can also help.
Can-Empower has tips about managing the psychological effects of cancer.
Dealing with cancer and treatment can be a very emotional time and anyone affected by cancer might find it helpful to read our web pages about getting emotional support. You can also check the Cancer Care Map to find details of support and information organisations in your area.
Maggie’s Cancer Support offers psychological support and support groups for anyone affected by cancer. They also offer online gentle exercise sessions, art therapy, and relaxation sessions that many people find supportive.
You are welcome to phone and speak to one of the nurses on the Macmillan Support Line as it can often be easier to talk things through by phone. Our lines are open every day from 8am to 8pm and the number to call is 0808 808 0000. I hope that this is helpful.
With best wishes
Debbie
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref/**DC/AD
