Awake and up all night

Moderator - Macmillan Community over 1 year ago

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Are you having trouble sleeping?

Sleep problems may be caused by how you’re feeling emotionally, or as part of the side effects for cancer treatment. If you find it hard to have a good sleep, you’re not alone. The Online Community is here to support you 24/7.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis is extremely stressful, and that brings a whole load of emotions, and lack of sleep certainly does not help. I think many of us have periods of insomnia. I experienced a long period of not sleeping. I could go off to sleep quite quickly, but after an hour I would find myself wide awake again, and would spend the rest of the night getting frustrated because I couldn't sleep."
Community member, ‘Pancreatic cancer’ group

This discussion thread is for members who:

Have trouble sleeping and looking for somewhere to talk
Would like some company and support each other during the night
Share some things you do that helps you get to sleep

Be a part of the supportive Community in this discussion thread.

Anythingnoodle 5 months ago in reply to Ukiboy

Lol. I look forward to it. Im currently in an assessment unit as picked up a fever after my colon removal.

Lin0506 5 months ago in reply to Sbird

Looks beautiful Helen congratulations to you both xxx

Ukiboy 5 months ago in reply to Anythingnoodle

Know that everyone in the group is with you and supporting you.

Roof 5 months ago

Oncology appointment on Thursday which went well. Blood test taken etc - have a meeting with the nurse on Tuesday 16th and curative chemo starts Friday 19th June x shit's real! Any helpful advice on coping with/getting through chemo gratefully recieved. Having CAPOX. I am also having terrible trouble sleeping. I am fine all day and around 5pm my mood plummets and i start to feel anxious and worried. Then, although exhausted, i just can't sleep. Any support with this would be amazing.

Soc 5 months ago in reply to Roof

hello roof welcome to the group. you are in the right group for not sleeping plenty of support and understanding. i have not had chemo so sorry dont know much about that. hopefully one of the members can inform you. i suffer with anxiety which has got worse since i was diagnosed.

Gill H 5 months ago in reply to Roof

Hi Roof, and a warm welcome to our group.

Sorry I can't help with the chemo questions, but others here who've had that or currently having it will be more informative.

With sleeping issues the thread's got lots of tips, as some of us are seasoned insomniacs! I'm afraid I'll have to go awol for a while to get our tea on (exciting!) but stick around and you might find some things to help.

You've got a great attitude and I'm sure that will go a long way in getting you through your upcoming treatment, for which I'm sending my best wishes.

Good to meet you my friend, and the folk here are a wonderful bunch xxx

Millibob 5 months ago in reply to Roof

Hello Roof

Another welcome to the group from me too. I have managed to "dodge" chemotherapy so far on my personal journey.

I can give you a link to the information we have on your chemotherapy which is a combination of two different drugs:

Chemotherapy-for-bowel-cancer.

We do also have a group you may wish to join for people going through chemotherapy and again here's the link:

Chemotherapy forum

Then, there's also the good folk on this group - not only do they talk about cancer and lack of sleep, recent topics have been holidays, cats and dogs and Yorkshire (well someone has to live there ).

Feel free to post here - everyone here is brilliant and it's a great place to be - there's always someone to chat too.

Best wishes - Brian.

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Ukiboy 5 months ago in reply to Roof

Hi Roof. OH has had chemo. Fairly straightforward.The room reminded me of a 50s Hairdressing salon. Everyone has a little space with a comfy chair and are connected to a drip with whatever chemo solution is for youm Some people have nap, some people read, knit or just chat to a friend.The nurses who my OH had were lovely and very caring. The treatment affects people differently. OH was wiped out after but some people are just a bit tired. The anxiety is totally normal so don't beat yourself up. You're probably worried about sleeping which isn't helping. Maybe don't force the sleep m Read a book, listen to a podcast or listen to some music. Me and OH have listened to meditation - Ravi Shanka is great. It will get better. As Gill said, there are also people on the group up and about in the wee small hours. Don't beat yourself up Roof. It's a tough time for you. Lean on friends and family and get loads of hugs. Loads of love Ukiboy.

Soc 5 months ago in reply to Ukiboy

thats what i do uki iget up make a drink and read a book or listen to the radio whichever you prefer. after about 20 minutes i go back to bed and usually sleep for a few more hours. hope this helps.xxx

Gill H 5 months ago in reply to Soc

That's a great idea Sonia and I'm really glad it works for you hon.

My problem seems to be that I can feel really tired around 9.30 but then after TLC I'm wide awake again. After a couple of hours of listening to podcasts I might drift off, but two hours later, wide awake again and so it goes on. Also, sleeping soundly doesn't happen as I'm alert to every cough and splutter from OH. It's rubbish but I want to make sure he's ok.

Well after my whine fest I hope you have a cracking sleep when you eventually not off, my lovely. We're going to watch Who wants to be a Millionaire? (I do) but I avoid the first round as the questions are for kids they're that easy.

Hugs and love sweetheart xxx