What bedtime habits can help me sleep during cancer treatment?

Setting good bedtime habits can help you sleep better during treatment. Steps that may help include:

• Go to bed only when sleepy, in a quiet, dark room and a comfortable bed.
• If you don't fall asleep, get out of bed and return when you're sleepy.
• Stop watching television or using electronic devices a couple of hours before bed.
• Don't eat or drink a lot before bedtime.
• Keep active during the day with regular exercise, but avoid exercising in the few hours before bedtime, since it may make sleep harder.

If these steps aren't enough, your doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep or, for a short period, sleep medicine. Tell your care team about anything that interferes with your sleep.