Inability to sleep

I'm not sure it this is related to my chemo, but I think it's a good place to look for an answer.

I've not been sleeping well for weeks now. I go to sleep fine (around 9:00 or 10:00). By 1:30 I'm wide awake as if it's morning. I usually can go back to sleep around 5:00 am for a bit, but not for long.

In the past, I've had trouble sleeping for a few days, but not weeks on end. Lunesta is not working, Ambien is not working, muscle relaxers and pain killers are not working (they usually make me sleepy). Doc has prescribed Restoril now, but I'm afraid to take it since it's addictive. I'm also not sure it will help.

Take Magnesium and Melatonin every night, along with hot baths. Lavender in my diffuser.

Nothing is working! If you have experienced something similar, any success stories? Does it go away after chemo?

I am on steroids with my chemo cycle, but I'm three weeks off of them, and it's not getting any better. Do they last that long? I'd actually be OK if that were the case, because I'd have hope that after chemo is done I will go back to my normal sleep cycle......

Hard to know without your stats being reported.

We can develop insomnia on many levels thru the process. I can’t see where you are at??

I do love sleep hypnosis exercises that are benign and effective.

I haven't had chemo but my AI often causes insomnia. Things that help me: valerian (it literally stinks, however); CBD gummies or oil with a little bit of THC gummy (MMJ is legal in my state and I have a permit--but you don't need one to buy hemp-derived CBD); when all else fails, a Lyrica will knock me out for 7-8 hrs. Also, no naps during the day, no alcohol w/in 3 hrs of bedtime, and no sleeping late (even if I had little sleep at night). Turkey breast helps too (has l-tryptophan in it) as well as milk warmed in my frother.

melatonin 20 mg. Work up to it. It’s important. Everyone with BC should be on it.


I take a bunch of cannabis, some psychoactive, some not. It’s really helpful for sleep. I’m not sure if you’re in a legal state. I take indica tabs that knock me out. Sometimes I take Ativan with it but leave the Ativan for when I need it.


I cannot sleep. I cannot nap. I only lay awake and stare at the ceiling. If I didn’t have cannabis I would get zero sleep. I’m in a medical and recreational state with a dispensary 3 miles from my house. I have taken 3 naps in total since my mastectomy in June. Seriously.

I miss sleep myself.

jenniekeaton- i had insomnia during chemo. Didn’t do anything thing for it, just suffered through. Exercise if you can.

Chisandy - have you tried altering when you take your AI? Once I switched to taking mine in the morning the insomnia cleared up immediately.

Hi Jennie

First I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. Honestly sleep deprivation is the worst!!!! My heart is with you on this. I had this terribly through my chemo treatments. I can remember thinking it would never get better but as time went on and my body healed from all the trauma, my sleep got better. I still drink magnesium/calcium at night like a tea before bed to help. I hope you get relief soon. Hang in there. Remember our bodies have gone through hell and our hormones are stripped to nothing and it all affects our sleep.

Gentle hugs pink sis. You got this.

Beatmom - I will check into Trazadone - I like that it is not addictive. My oncologist is open to recommendations, which I love!