Disturbed sleeping pattern

When things got really tough my GP asked me if I was getting enough sleep and prescribed zopiclone. I didn't take it every night and you have to be careful taking it late in the night e.g. 3-4am because you'll still be drowsy in the morning.

It doesn't knock you out so you'll still  be able to function if needed but it does help with dropping off. 

I also took it in the first few months after my wife died. Since then I've taken up meditation which I wish I'd done years ago and my sleep has vastly improved. I had no problem at all stopping the zopiclone.

I would steer clear of sleeping tablets. Most gps dont prescribe them… i was offered (sigh) talking therapy. This was some time ago, pre tumour. I spend a lot of time abroad and was able to obtain them there. Yes, they worked but the rebound sleeplessness was worse than where I was in the first place. Since diagnosis I have stopped altogether. My husband takes about one a week, sleeps ten hours then hardly functions the next day. 
I hope you find a solution that works. 

HI

I've never taken sleeping tablets or anything like that so can't comment on the pros and cons there. I would counsel caution on taking anything that "zonks" you out as in our experience medical situations usually happened in the middle of the night or early morning and you need to be alert enough to respond to them. (Hate to sound like the prophet of doom here)

I tried herbal teas, "sleepy honey" with valerian in it and they generally helped. A lavender pillow spray might help too. I also took Kalms on a regular basis.

I am a Reiki Master so would channel Reiki for myself if I was struggling to drop off but I also practiced yoga and meditation. 

Although night times are a challenging time, I personally felt that I needed to address my overall stress/anxiety levels opted for a more natural/holistic route.

Try a few different things. There's no one size fits all here. There's some good guidance on the website - here's the link How to look after yourself as a carer for someone with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support

love n hugs

Wee Me xxx