Sleepless nights- natural remedy anyone?

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nipab
nipab Member Posts: 48
edited May 2022 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

I had my 1st of 4 TC this week. Haven't slept much since then, it's day 3 today. I took one Ativan at the time of treatment, I thought that might put me to sleep, but nothing happened!

I don't want to take any medicine for it. Does anyone have any success with a natural remedy?

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited April 2022

    A cooler room to sleep.

    A warm lavender bath sometimes will help with some sleep for "natural" without taking anything.

    Other then that I would suggest OTC melatonin which does work and was suggested to me and is safe to take as well. I take that and use the gummy kind which is strawberry flavored at least and not like having a pill at least. I got them at docs suggestion.

    Hope you get relief soon.

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited April 2022

    I use melatonin too. Really helpful.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited April 2022

    I use Tylenol. Takes the edge off for me.

    ETA: I also listen to audiobooks or podcasts and they always put me to sleep. I might use Ativan about once a month if too many nights of not enough sleep.

    Not sure if this will post since the text scrolls sideways and disappears.

    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/1304...:~:text=Researchers%20have%20found%20a%20new,human%20condition%2C%20or%20existential%20dread.

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  • ParakeetsRule
    ParakeetsRule Member Posts: 571
    edited April 2022
    Try turning off all electronics several hours before bedtime. No TV, phones, tablets, etc. If you can, increase the amount of movement you do during the day so you're more tired at night. Also try going to bed early and reading until you feel sleepy. One thing I've been doing is playing podcasts. Even if it's dark and I'm awake, I'm still resting. But usually I fall asleep during the middle of an episode! :)
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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited April 2022

    nipab, are you getting steroids as part of your treatment meds? Those can make you pretty wired.

    For years now I've been listening to the Sleep with Me Podcast. I load up 10h worth of episodes, use night time headphones. http://www.sleepwithmepodcast.com/

    Other things to try are melatonin or pot.

    now that i'm stage 4 I use zopiclone (rx), melatonin, pot & the Sleep with me Podcast lol ... I cover all the bases but I sleep well!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2022

    Hi Nipab --

    We're sorry you're experiencing this -- it's certainly frustrating when you can't get a good night's sleep!

    In addition to the excellent suggestions you've received so far, this page from the main Breastcancer.org site might be helpful on Self-Help Strategies for Better Sleep.

    --The Mods

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  • blums8
    blums8 Member Posts: 16
    edited April 2022

    I have been struggling with sleep as well. The Ativan works sometimes but still usually only for 5 hours; which is better than nothing. I have seen that people suggest melatonin. How do you know which kind to buy?

    I actually might try medical marijuana which is available to me here in Pa. I def. need to sleep more.

    Janice

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited May 2022

    I am both a melatonin and cannabis fan. Melatonin comes in varying dosages. Start with 3 mg and see how it goes from there. I haven’t found any appreciable difference in brands. They come in pill form, chewables and gummies.

    Medical marijuana is only medical in the sense that your state/county issues medical cards, i.e. the patient has a medical condition. The cannabis itself is no different than other cannabis. Medical customers may be able to buy greater quantities daily and/or products containing higher percentages of THC. Find a dispensary with knowledgeable bud tenders to help you get started. I hope you get some sleep soon.

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  • Elderberry
    Elderberry Member Posts: 993
    edited May 2022

    I use melatonin every night. 10 mg. I have also used zopiclone but would like not to have to use it. It is habit forming. If all else fails I find a few tokes of pot helps. I am not sure if the one I have been using is Indica or Sativa. All I know is by the second or third toke I am yawning. Insomnia is awful. I know folks say turn off electronics but I find a little telly helps me nod off. It must be the flickering screen. Yes - a cool room too.

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  • nipab
    nipab Member Posts: 48
    edited May 2022

    Thank you all so much. Somehow, the weekend was much better, and I was able to sleep for 7-8 hours! Sunday night it was hard to fall asleep (even after about 5 miles of bike ride!), but once I could sleep, it was about 6 or so hours of sound sleep.

    Moth, pods are a good idea, I am listening to one right now, they do sound like will put me to bed in no time!

    Mods, good self-help strategies. Most of them I do anyway, but will incorporate all of them.

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