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.

Sbird 4 months ago

Afternoon all

We're sat on Calais dock side waiting to get on the ferry. Nearly home.

Sbird 4 months ago in reply to Jen1952

Hi Jen

Welcome to the awake pretty much 24/24 club. There's usually someone around to chat with.

Gill H 4 months ago in reply to Sbird

Safe crossing Helen I'd be gutted at the thought of coming home, but you've got the grandkids to soften the blow.

Thanks for all the holiday snaps hon xxx

Jen1952 4 months ago in reply to Gill H

Not really found anything to get me back to sleep. I usually get up, make myself a hot chocolate made with dark cocoa and sit in the lounge and read. Usually after an hour or two I feel ready to sleep again, often then not waking up until 9.00- 9.30.

Gill H 4 months ago in reply to Jen1952

Thanks for that, Jen. It's a good plan as long as you don't need to get up early.

I'm a big fan of hot chocolate but not tried the darker variety - I will, and it's a great tip. Even if it doesn't induce sleep it's a very comforting beverage on a dark, twilight morning. All good stuff sweetie xxx

Sbird 4 months ago in reply to Gill H

Yes Gill, looking forward to seeing them.

RayMK 4 months ago in reply to Gill H

Hospital drinking chocolate was fabulous stuff in 2018. I've tried various brands at home but not yet found one which comes close. Am I doing something wrong e.g. not using the best water, water/milk mix or straight milk? The hospital drink was very smooth and milky. It had me asleep within 10 minutes. A mystery ingredient perhaps to give the night shift some peace?

Ray xx

Sbird 4 months ago in reply to RayMK

Have you tried old fashioned cocoa made with milk?

RayMK 4 months ago in reply to Sbird

I don't think so. The straight milk ones need a saucepan to boil the milk, or lightning fast reactions if using microwave to heat a mug of the mix. The hospital kitchen had a large caldron, enough to load several trolleys for the wards. It was a similar set up in primary school when we had hot coco during the winter term. xx

Gill H 4 months ago in reply to RayMK

Ray, hospital hot chocolate was still fabulous in 2025 when OH was in for a spell.

The ladies who brought the trolley round mixed the powder into a paste with a little milk first before adding hot water. Silky smooth and delectable, and I felt very spoiled indeed.

The hot choc in the hospital cafes is even better as there's an inch of froth on top - doubly decadent. Almost makes it a treat, going for appointments.

How are you today fella? xxx