Tamoxifen and SLEEP (or lack thereof)

Hi Trvler,

We're sorry you're experiencing this unfortunate side effect! Have you checked out the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Insomnia (Trouble Sleeping)? There's lots of good tips there that may help.

We hope you get some sleep soon!

--The Mods

I know how you feel. I had the same problem, I tried everything possible on the market and I tried everything what is written in all the good books. Nothing worked for me. Finally I got a referral to the sleep clinic. Maybe you can try to talk to you doctor and get the referral to sleep clinic too. In my case, I had a mild sleep apnea. I tried one of the thing which I have never heard of and it is called: The AveoTSD, simply it is a tongue puller. Here is Canadian web site : https://www.aveosleep.ca It worked for me at the first night and now 4 months later it is my lifeline . It falls at night sometimes, than I wake up to get it back, it irritates my tongue in the morning but it gets better in 30 min. I can't imagine my life without it anymore. My sleep now is comparable to the sleep of a teenager and nothing hurts me anymore. I hope that you will find your lifeline too.

I second ksusan's post. I take a 3 mg melatonin tab before bed. I take tamoxifen at night as well. I sleep well, but more importantly, studies have shown that these tabs together are complementary and effective.

I'm currently just about to start radiation, followed by Tamixofin, so really not excited to hear about sleep side effects because I'm already experiencing this.

I'm looking for something that will help me stay asleep. I take a Xanex and 5mg of melatonin about 20 minutes prior to bedtime. Usually stay asleep about 2 1/2 hours - then the waking starts about every couple of hours all night long. I usually pop another melatonin around 3am - but it doesn't seem to do anything.

Another forum member recommended trying Magnesium and Calcium and also GABA. I've also got a message in to my BS for something other than Xanex.

Wishing good sleep for all......

dtad - Yes I'm going to try that too at the suggestion of a forum member.

I've also heard that cold press hemp oil would help too. Not so sure about that.....! Anyone have experience with it?

My sleep was never great even pre-tamoxifen. I had mixed experience with melatonin, or it's possible that I haven't figured out the right dosage. I still take it, especially when travelling across several time zones. What works for me best is Ashwagandha. It does seem to have anti-cancer qualities as well, but I take it primarily for better sleep. I have to take 2 pill of 500mg each to work really well.

Here is more info:

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medi...

My sleeping issues started with Taxol and have continued with Tamoxifen. Melatonin didn't work for me either. My BSO suggested Serenol - it is bee pollen from a swedish flower. It is helping lots!! If you are allergic to bees though - you can't take it. It is a bit pricey, but worth it to help me sleep!