Why can't I sleep during cancer treatment?

Trouble sleeping during cancer treatment is common, and there is usually more than one reason for it. Sleep problems such as being unable to fall asleep and/or stay asleep, also called insomnia, are common among people being treated for cancer. Studies show that as many as half of all people have sleep-related problems during treatment.

According to the article, sleep problems may be caused by the side effects of treatment, medicines you are taking, long hospital stays, stress, and other factors. Because several of these can happen at the same time, it can be hard to point to a single cause on your own.

The good news is that there are steps you and your health care team can take to help. Getting treatment for problems that interfere with sleep, such as pain or diarrhea, may help. Cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques, along with good bedtime habits, can also help, and sleep medicine may be prescribed for a short time if other strategies don't work. Tell your health care team if you have trouble sleeping so you can get the help you need; they can look at what may be affecting your sleep and suggest what fits your situation.