Can’t Sleep

Hi Michael. It's the last thing you need isn't it? Coping with treatment and then sleeping poorly. I was told to take my steroids as early in the day as possible to avoid sleep disturbance. So 1st thing in morning and before 2pm. If you're still struggling I would take a sleeping tablet now&again - I already had them from when I was totally unable to sleep after diagnosis(zopiclone). GP or your team should be supportive - it's only short term.

Good luck and fingers crossed for a good night's sleep

Hilary

Good Morning Michael

My hubby has just had his 4th ( out of 6 ) chemo yesterday. He is given dexamethasone IV along side cisplatin then given 3 days supply to bring home . The 1st week he was fine. Week 2 he was like you, woke at 1am until 5 am and was shattered throughout the day. Touch wood weeks 3 and 4 this has not happened . Just wondering at what times you are taking the tablets as this could definately influence you sleep Patten 

All the best 

Lisa x

Hi Lisa thanks for the feedback, I take the steroids in the morning no later than 09:00 hrs. So it shouldn’t affect me but I also don’t believe it’s coincidence. 

I didn’t sleep at last night and am still awake now with no sign of tiredness, hope I get a few tonight. My support team and my GP are adamant that they will not prescribe sleeping tablets.

They advise me to manage the light,blue light maybe listen to soothing music and sounds.

 I seem to be making light of it but it is having an adverse effect on my treatment 

cheers

Michael

Hi Hilary

Thanks for the feed back but my support group & GP are adamant no sleeping tablets.

Maybe it’s my age (70) 

I still have sleeping tablets prescribed to me in South Africa when I was having difficulty sleeping on site whilst working on projects. I only needed to take one for two nights and that was enough to break the cycle.The trade name of the tablet is Stilnox.

 I told them that I have them they weren’t impressed. 

Cheers

Michael

Hi Micheal, I don't know anything about steroid tablets and whether they would react if you take a sleeping tablet. I was prescribed Zopiclone like Hellebore1 as I could not sleep, I still keep some handy as I still get times where I cannot sleep, I found them ok as they did not make me drowsy in the morning. I would not have thought age was a problem, have they given you a reason why they will not prescribe anything to help? All the best.

                                                                 Chris.

Hi Chris 

After 42 hours of not sleeping I took half a Stilnox sleeping tablet (used them when I lived in South Africa short term) Within an hour I was asleep and got a solid 8 hours.

 I am seeing the oncologist & team on Monday and I will ask them if sleeping tablets could compromise my treatment as the only reason for me not being prescribed was my age(that was by my GP)

 I have two chemotherapy sessions left and everything is manageable at the moment wrt eating swallowing, no signs of nausea.

my only concern is the sleep deprivation.

Michael

I applaud your common sense Michael. Without sleep you become drained and zombie-like, unable to function for family and others. In addition I expect a chronic lack of sleep compromises your immunity - when you’re immunity is already reduced due to chemotherapy this seems bonkers logic to deny assistance. So please challenge your team on why they won’t agree to a small dose sleeping tablet for a short period of time. And here’s to more great nights of  

Hilary

Hi

I met with the team yesterday and the oncologist agreed to prescribe sleeping tablets. When I asked why they were initially against it they said it should be prescribed by the GP. 
Due to the current situation they decided to prescribe.

Michael

That;s great news. Well done for being  persistent. Perhaps you could ask your oncologist to inform the GP that it is their job to prescribe,so that in future other patients don;t have the same problem.

Sleep well!

Hilary

This is good to hear Micheal, let's hope it helps you with your journey, all the best.

                                                                                              Chris .