Tips for Overcoming Insomnia?

I have had insomnia issues for years. I have been prescribed meds which I dont often take because, well, I’m already on a lot of meds! I have two meditation apps, Calm and Happier, that I use. There are many meditation and sleep stories that put me right back to sleep. I also listen to audiobooks on the Libby Library app and if it doesn’t get me back to sleep at least I’m listening to a good book!

Insomnia is a hard one to deal with. I’ve suffered that for decades. I have taken temazepam for years but now it’s only good for a 5 hr sleep cycle. I think the insomnia is part of the worry process from the cancer diagnosis. There’s alway so many unknowns with this disease that our brains just don’t want to “shut down” from the worry of it all. If you don’t want to try a medication there is a medical devise out there called “Alpha-Stim” that is suppose to really help with insomnia. Might be worth a try.

Thank you both for the input. I'll try the apps.

I have suffered from insomnia for decades. I have tried everything. I have found a wonderful acupuncturist who has helped tremendously. I have been to other acupuncturists and their treatment didn’t help so just like everything no one fix but keep searching.

When I was first diagnosed I couldn’t sleep at all (which I’m sure none of us did) so since I had to cut back a lot on alcohol I decided to try the THC seltzers. Not only do they put me in total chill mode but I sleep like a baby. My Dr was all for it too. I know some people might be against it and that’s fine but it works like a dream for me. You can order online and get them delivered (not every state though)

@Marita i live in michigan it's legal here🙂 I never heard of seltzers ? Online help me gurl lol

I live in NY and never heard of THC seltzers! Are they different than THC gummies?

I really prefer them over the gummies plus I feel like before bed I’m “chilling out” with a cocktail and I sleep sooo hard on them. I’m In PA we can only order them online but I would be surprised if NY they aren’t legal. NJ you can get them in stores. Look at drinkwynk.com Or the other I love too is Roam.

I take Trazadone for insomnia. I also take Melatonin. Works great for me.

I use these. https://lumigummies.com/

You order online and they are allowed to send to you. If you have questions about your state you can email the company. Veteran owned

Magnesium L-Threonate an hour before bed is amazing. I sleep through the night for the first time in years.

I have a friend who listens to a podcast called Sleepy Time Books. She says her voice does it for her every time. Just a thought if you’re looking for something not chemical.

I get THC oil shipped to me from another state and I take a 1/4 teaspoon every night and get similar results. Chill takes about 30 minutes to kick in, but sleep is amazing and lasts all night. I get a restful and peaceful full 7 - 8 hours! Its about the same as the THC seltzers. Here in AL it sells as Brez. But I totally never imagined I would consider cannabis at age 72, but what the heck. If others can do it for fun, why not give it a try. Cannabis has been used a long time and theres really no side effects, no hang over, etc.

Yep I led an insanely healthy/active life. At 50 I got cancer so I just don’t care and will do anything and everything to feel as good as I can. My husband is a neurologist and specializes in sleep. Of course there are meds to help but I don’t want to take meds that aren’t directly serving the killing of my cancer 👍

I started a while ago using words and imagery. Many times when you have insomnia, it’s a matter of breaking your thought cycle. It goes like this: you can start with any letter, but let’s say “A.” Think of a word that starts with that letter (or a name of a person, city, state, etc.). Say it slowly. Think of another one. And another. If you run out of A’s, go to B. But, in about five minutes or less, I’m out. A friend says she thinks of the word, then visualizes it clearly before moving to the next, but it works in five minutes for her as well and no drugs! Good luck!

Sleep disruption is incredibly common during cancer treatment, and getting only 3-4 hours daily can be exhausting. Some gentle strategies that many find helpful include maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time before bed, creating a cool and dark sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine late in the day. It's worth discussing these sleep challenges with your healthcare team, as they may have additional suggestions or treatments that could help restore a more regular sleep pattern.