Awake and up all night

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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.

  • Hi again Maria.

    Have you got pain meds for that belly pain as you really need to get that sorted if not hon. Maybe speak to your hospital or GP in the morning.

    Aye, I thought scans came before surgery too. Something else you need made clear so you'll be able to get yourself in check and start planning for a hospital stay if that's the case. Also, talk to someone at the hospital about how depressed you feel about everything that's seemingly happened all at once - losing your job, not eating or sleeping and all the worry on top.

    Here's an idea though, and I know you said you weren't keen on talking about cancer, but why not call the Macmillan helpline in the morning hon? It's free, anonymous and I've heard good things about how they can calm and give sound advice to folk like yourself who need help now. It's worth a try Maria, and you've nothing to lose but may gain some ideas to move forward.

    Are you up by yourself right now or is hubby still around? I know you've told the family to carry on as normal but they're bound to be worried too. If you can get in an improved state of mind it'll rub off on them and calm things down a little, so yes, you do need to speak with someone and making that call could be the best start.

    Get a cuppa and make a plan, starting with calls to make tomorrow. It works for me so hopefully it will for you. Don't despair sweetheart, it's rough now but things will settle into place. More hugsHuggingHuggingHugging

  • Thanks for replying to me lin . I don't know what group to chat to . But I can't sleep ATM. Most of my grandchildren are adults. Oldest is 23 . Younger is 1 yr so all different ages . I have been bleeding for 5months with non smelly mucus. And this is a massive blow to me after my accident. Are you better now or still going through it . My journey has only begun and I'm not looking forward to it. I've only been out of my house 10 times in 2 yrs and that is for hospital. I have 2 cats which keeps me sane because they depend on me . 1 is 10years and the other is 12 weeks x

  • Maria, I've just seen your other post due to the delay.

    Aw poor hubby with his own health issues, so no wonder you're overwhelmed. I did laugh at him being your Mr Grump but after 45 years I can guess who's the boss - you! Joy xxx

  • My doctor won't give me any because she put me on antidepressants ie . Duloxetine which is supposed to block pain . It doesn't on me I stopped them months ago . I have asked and asked. I'm in pain all the time . She won't budge she wants me to take more . No I can't because they do nothing 

  • Yes I am lol but I let him think he is . Typical woman yeh . Fun fact he calls me a lorry driver because I have 46 tattoos more than he got . He is a biker . Bald head massive bead x

  • Hi Maria 

    What type of cancer have you been diagnosed with …bleeding could be endometrial or cervical cancer? There are different groups for each. The group you are on now is especially for people who have trouble sleeping so you are definitely in the right place. There are several members who chat through the night. To be honest I’m not normally one of them but I’m part of the group and usually chat during the day. The people on here are great with all different experiences. I am good now. I had a hysterectomy in 2023 and am now on 6 monthly follow ups. You will get through this I know how tough it feels at the moment but it will get better. Lovely you have 2 cats they are good company. I had guinea pigs when I was diagnosed and they were very good at relieving my stress. I was diagnosed after a spell in hospital after a breakdown so I know how it feels not to leave the house and how difficult it must be.

    There are people on the site called community champions and when they read your post they will give you a link to the most appropriate cancer group. 

    Linda xxx

  • Maria, about your GP and her obstinacy over the tablets - tell your hospital team and see what they say as you can't carry on being in pain lovey.

    Oh tattoos! My ex was covered in them and both our daughters have them too. My eldest's fella has a very long beard but rides racing cycles, not a motorbike!

    Yeh, hubby will know you're the boss and matriarch of the family. Women do that the best!

    Great advice from Lin btw and it sounds like she may have had a similar cancer to yourself. That's something else to get on your list - join the forum that'll be the best match what you're looking for.

    Well I'm stumped hon as no-one else but Linda's been around tonight. Oh and Lisa but she's a newbie like yourself. What do you reckon hon, do you think you'll be able to settle down tonight?

    Oh I forgot, me and my OH, he's the patient, not me, absolutely love all animals and cats are a favourite with us. What are yours called? Don't reply if you're heading off for some sleep Zzzxxx

  • Hello Mariab, welcome to club for those with irregular sleep patterns. Regarding your pain killer/anti-depressant, did your doctor explain that it can take anything between 1 week and 12 weeks to gain the full benefit for pain relief? That could be why she is pressing you to continue with them. As it is sometimes slow to act, ask her which if any over the counter pain killers can be used together with Duloxetine. If the pain could be better controlled it would enable you to manage the not insignificant symptoms you are having to weather. Gill and Lin have given helpful suggestions and one of the 'staff' may be able to provide further options within the site.

    My daughter is visiting tomorrow, so I must go to bed soon otherwise she will see me walking around bleary eyed if I have only just crawled out of bed at 11am Grinning.

    Best wishes for an improved outlook with better pain control. Ray xx 

  • Tiggy 10 years old and Bella 12 weeks old they keep me sane and on my toes always arguing lol Bella is a menace. Trouble maker and tiggy is an old girl. Shee has dementia apparently. I don't think so she just wants peace lol . My husband has 2 big bikes . We used to go out but not anymore.