Sleep2025-05-13T19:50:34+00:00

Sleep

We spend upwards of one third of our lives sleeping, and regular, restful sleep
is critical to our well-being: physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Sleep

We spend upwards of one third of our lives sleeping, and regular, restful sleep is critical to our well-being: physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Sleep

We spend upwards of one third of our lives sleeping, and regular, restful sleep is critical to our well-being: physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Unfortunately, our sleep is often disrupted by our busy lives. Work, stress, packed schedules, and raising children are just a few of the reasons people get less sleep than they should. Add on a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and you may find that your sleep time has taken a serious hit.

Sleep is crucial to healing, so ensuring that you have time set aside every night for good, restorative sleep is critical, Unfortunately, cancer treatment and sleep problems can go hand in hand. If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to identify the problem so it can be addressed by you and your care team.

Unfortunately, our sleep is often disrupted by our busy lives. Work, stress, packed schedules, and raising children are just a few of the reasons people get less sleep than they should. Add on a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and you may find that your sleep time has taken a serious hit.

Sleep is crucial to healing, so ensuring that you have time set aside every night for good, restorative sleep is critical, Unfortunately, cancer treatment and sleep problems can go hand in hand. If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to identify the problem so it can be addressed by you and your care team.

Unfortunately, our sleep is often disrupted by our busy lives. Work, stress, packed schedules, and raising children are just a few of the reasons people get less sleep than they should. Add on a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and you may find that your sleep time has taken a serious hit.

Sleep is crucial to healing, so ensuring that you have time set aside every night for good, restorative sleep is critical, Unfortunately, cancer treatment and sleep problems can go hand in hand. If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to identify the problem so it can be addressed by you and your care team.

Common sleep issues

Unfortunately, a lot of people struggle with sleep. Here’s a few common sleep issues:

Sleep apnea2024-12-19T22:23:48+00:00

Sleep apnea is short pauses in your breathing while asleep, lasting up to 10 seconds. These pauses can happen multiple times throughout the night, and disrupt your normal sleep rhythms, making it difficult to get restful sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly, also creating sleep problems for their partners.

Sleep apnea is unlikely to be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. However, if you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea it is important to get it managed and under control before beginning your treatment, as not to compound sleep issues down the road.

Abnormal sleep-wake cycles2024-12-19T22:23:24+00:00

Abnormal sleep-wake cycles are exactly like they sound – the times when you would normally (compared to most people and yourself) find yourself sleeping and waking from sleep are impacted, making it difficult to go to sleep when you normally would, and wake up when you should.

Our sleep-wake cycles are controlled by complex biological processes referred to as our circadian rhythm. Many things can impact your circadian rhythm, throwing your whole cycle into disarray, making it difficult to have a “normal” schedule and get things done when you’d like to.

Hypersomnia2024-12-19T22:23:00+00:00

If you have hypersomnia you likely feel extremely sleepy during the day (different from standard tiredness or fatigue) and want to sleep longer than is normal at night, generally more than ten hours. You may find that sleeping for long lengths of time during the night does not improve your tiredness during the day, and that your sleepiness makes it hard to work, take care of your home, or enjoy the activities you normally do.

Hypersomnia may sound a lot like fatigue, but they are distinct problems. Regular (not chronic or severe) fatigue may respond to increased rest, like a nap during the day. Hypersomnia is unlikely to respond to regular or increased sleep.

Insomnia2024-12-19T22:22:33+00:00

Insomnia is a catch-all term that addresses both trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. It can be acute, or only lasting for a few days or weeks, or chronic, where it lasts for three months or longer.

Generally, people experiencing insomnia simply don’t get as much sleep as they should. It is advised that adults should get 7 hours, at minimum, of good sleep per night – those facing cancer or other illnesses may find that they need even more sleep. Getting less than this amount can lead to mental, emotional, and physical fatigue, and general difficulty operating throughout the day.

If you have already been diagnosed with insomnia before your cancer diagnosis, you are more likely to experience it after your diagnosis as well. It is advisable to bring this up with your care team as soon as possible so you can discuss possible interventions before you lose too much sleep!

You might not ever receive a formal diagnosis for why you have trouble sleeping, but that doesn’t mean your problems aren’t real and can’t be addressed. People undergoing treatment for cancer may find that a variety of issues prevents them from sleeping well, including but not limited to:

  • Stress, worry, and anxiety
  • Náuseas y vómitos from treatment

  • Side effects from medications
  • Side effects from treatment, such as radiation therapy or surgery
  • Noisy hospital rooms or treatment environments

The important thing is to make sure your care team knows you are having trouble sleeping sooner than later so your problem can be addressed. Hopefully, the root cause of your sleep issue can be addressed directly, such as managing pain or reducing your stress levels. There are also medications that can be prescribed, if appropriate, to help you get more restful sleep.

Common sleep issues

Unfortunately, a lot of people struggle with sleep. Here’s a few common sleep issues:

Sleep apnea2024-12-19T22:23:48+00:00

Sleep apnea is short pauses in your breathing while asleep, lasting up to 10 seconds. These pauses can happen multiple times throughout the night, and disrupt your normal sleep rhythms, making it difficult to get restful sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly, also creating sleep problems for their partners.

Sleep apnea is unlikely to be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. However, if you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea it is important to get it managed and under control before beginning your treatment, as not to compound sleep issues down the road.

Abnormal sleep-wake cycles2024-12-19T22:23:24+00:00

Abnormal sleep-wake cycles are exactly like they sound – the times when you would normally (compared to most people and yourself) find yourself sleeping and waking from sleep are impacted, making it difficult to go to sleep when you normally would, and wake up when you should.

Our sleep-wake cycles are controlled by complex biological processes referred to as our circadian rhythm. Many things can impact your circadian rhythm, throwing your whole cycle into disarray, making it difficult to have a “normal” schedule and get things done when you’d like to.

Hypersomnia2024-12-19T22:23:00+00:00

If you have hypersomnia you likely feel extremely sleepy during the day (different from standard tiredness or fatigue) and want to sleep longer than is normal at night, generally more than ten hours. You may find that sleeping for long lengths of time during the night does not improve your tiredness during the day, and that your sleepiness makes it hard to work, take care of your home, or enjoy the activities you normally do.

Hypersomnia may sound a lot like fatigue, but they are distinct problems. Regular (not chronic or severe) fatigue may respond to increased rest, like a nap during the day. Hypersomnia is unlikely to respond to regular or increased sleep.

Insomnia2024-12-19T22:22:33+00:00

Insomnia is a catch-all term that addresses both trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. It can be acute, or only lasting for a few days or weeks, or chronic, where it lasts for three months or longer.

Generally, people experiencing insomnia simply don’t get as much sleep as they should. It is advised that adults should get 7 hours, at minimum, of good sleep per night – those facing cancer or other illnesses may find that they need even more sleep. Getting less than this amount can lead to mental, emotional, and physical fatigue, and general difficulty operating throughout the day.

If you have already been diagnosed with insomnia before your cancer diagnosis, you are more likely to experience it after your diagnosis as well. It is advisable to bring this up with your care team as soon as possible so you can discuss possible interventions before you lose too much sleep!

You might not ever receive a formal diagnosis for why you have trouble sleeping, but that doesn’t mean your problems aren’t real and can’t be addressed. People undergoing treatment for cancer may find that a variety of issues prevents them from sleeping well, including but not limited to:

  • Stress, worry, and anxiety
  • Náuseas y vómitos from treatment

  • Side effects from medications
  • Side effects from treatment, such as radiation therapy or surgery
  • Noisy hospital rooms or treatment environments

The important thing is to make sure your care team knows you are having trouble sleeping sooner than later so your problem can be addressed. Hopefully, the root cause of your sleep issue can be addressed directly, such as managing pain or reducing your stress levels. There are also medications that can be prescribed, if appropriate, to help you get more restful sleep.

Common sleep issues

Unfortunately, a lot of people struggle with sleep. Here’s a few common sleep issues:

Sleep apnea2024-12-19T22:23:48+00:00

Sleep apnea is short pauses in your breathing while asleep, lasting up to 10 seconds. These pauses can happen multiple times throughout the night, and disrupt your normal sleep rhythms, making it difficult to get restful sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly, also creating sleep problems for their partners.

Sleep apnea is unlikely to be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. However, if you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea it is important to get it managed and under control before beginning your treatment, as not to compound sleep issues down the road.

Abnormal sleep-wake cycles2024-12-19T22:23:24+00:00

Abnormal sleep-wake cycles are exactly like they sound – the times when you would normally (compared to most people and yourself) find yourself sleeping and waking from sleep are impacted, making it difficult to go to sleep when you normally would, and wake up when you should.

Our sleep-wake cycles are controlled by complex biological processes referred to as our circadian rhythm. Many things can impact your circadian rhythm, throwing your whole cycle into disarray, making it difficult to have a “normal” schedule and get things done when you’d like to.

Hypersomnia2024-12-19T22:23:00+00:00

If you have hypersomnia you likely feel extremely sleepy during the day (different from standard tiredness or fatigue) and want to sleep longer than is normal at night, generally more than ten hours. You may find that sleeping for long lengths of time during the night does not improve your tiredness during the day, and that your sleepiness makes it hard to work, take care of your home, or enjoy the activities you normally do.

Hypersomnia may sound a lot like fatigue, but they are distinct problems. Regular (not chronic or severe) fatigue may respond to increased rest, like a nap during the day. Hypersomnia is unlikely to respond to regular or increased sleep.

Insomnia2024-12-19T22:22:33+00:00

Insomnia is a catch-all term that addresses both trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. It can be acute, or only lasting for a few days or weeks, or chronic, where it lasts for three months or longer.

Generally, people experiencing insomnia simply don’t get as much sleep as they should. It is advised that adults should get 7 hours, at minimum, of good sleep per night – those facing cancer or other illnesses may find that they need even more sleep. Getting less than this amount can lead to mental, emotional, and physical fatigue, and general difficulty operating throughout the day.

If you have already been diagnosed with insomnia before your cancer diagnosis, you are more likely to experience it after your diagnosis as well. It is advisable to bring this up with your care team as soon as possible so you can discuss possible interventions before you lose too much sleep!

You might not ever receive a formal diagnosis for why you have trouble sleeping, but that doesn’t mean your problems aren’t real and can’t be addressed. People undergoing treatment for cancer may find that a variety of issues prevents them from sleeping well, including but not limited to:

  • Stress, worry, and anxiety
  • Náuseas y vómitos from treatment

  • Side effects from medications
  • Side effects from treatment, such as radiation therapy or surgery
  • Noisy hospital rooms or treatment environments

The important thing is to make sure your care team knows you are having trouble sleeping sooner than later so your problem can be addressed. Hopefully, the root cause of your sleep issue can be addressed directly, such as managing pain or reducing your stress levels. There are also medications that can be prescribed, if appropriate, to help you get more restful sleep.

Tips for Better Sleep

These methods can be safely used and may improve side effects. Remember: All people are different and respond to treatments differently. Before seeking these approaches, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you!

Medicación para dormir2024-12-19T22:35:43+00:00

Si todo lo demás falla, puede considerar la posibilidad de hablar con su médico sobre un somnífero recetado o marihuana medicinal para ayudarle. Hay una gran variedad de medicamentos diseñados específicamente para ayudarle a dormir, y muchos que pueden abordar las causas subyacentes de los trastornos del sueño, como la ansiedad, que también pueden ayudarle a dormir mejor. Es importante tener en cuenta que todos los medicamentos tienen efectos secundarios y que los que ayudan a dormir pueden crear hábito.

Dirección ansiedad2024-12-19T22:35:02+00:00

La ansiedad puede afectar a la calidad y la frecuencia del sueño. Hablar de sus problemas con alguien que le apoye puede ayudar a aliviar parte de esta ansiedad y, con suerte, a dormir mejor. Escribir un diario también puede ayudar a sacar los sentimientos de ansiedad antes de acostarse.

Si su ansiedad es grave, la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC) con un profesional de la salud mental también puede ayudarle a tratar su ansiedad, lo que le permitirá dormir mejor. Informe de sus problemas de sueño a cualquier persona que le ayude a afrontar la ansiedad.

Iniciar un diario del sueño2024-12-19T22:33:57+00:00

Llevar un registro de cómo duerme y qué actividades ha realizado durante el día puede ayudarle a controlar y evaluar qué actividades tienen más probabilidades de interrumpir o perturbar su sueño esa noche. Esto puede ayudar a realizar cambios de comportamiento que, con suerte, se traducirán en un mejor sueño.

Rutinas para irse a la cama2024-12-19T22:33:27+00:00

No existe una rutina "perfecta" para irse a la cama, pero considere la posibilidad de añadir algunos de estos pasos a su rutina nocturna:

  • Programa un temporizador de "hora de acostarse". Algunas aplicaciones incluso envían una alerta de "relajación".
  • Date un baño o una ducha caliente (si tu piel puede soportarlo) una o dos horas antes de acostarte.
  • Evite las pantallas en la cama y durante aproximadamente una hora antes de acostarse. A algunas personas les gusta leer, ya que ayuda a cansar los ojos.
  • Escribe un diario, reza y/o medita para reflexionar sobre el día.
  • Utiliza aceites de lavanda u otros aceites de aromaterapia o velas para activar las escenas en las que es hora de relajarse. (¡No olvides apagar una vela!)
  • Vístete para estar cómodo.
  • Baja la temperatura de la habitación. La mayoría de la gente duerme mejor cuando la habitación está más fresca que caliente.
  • Oscurece la habitación: apaga las luces, cierra las persianas y crea un espacio oscuro.
  • Haz todo lo posible por relajarte y desconectar. Lo sabemos, que te digan que te relajes es contraproducente, pero si puedes encontrar una rutina que te funcione, ¡utilízala!

Siga una rutina similar cada noche para enseñar a su cerebro y a su cuerpo que es hora de descansar.

Evitar la cafeína, las drogas y el alcohol2024-12-19T22:28:06+00:00

Especialmente antes de acostarse, evite la cafeína, las drogas y el alcohol.

  • Aunque la cafeína puede ayudarle a sentirse más alerta durante el día, tomarla por la tarde puede alterar su capacidad para dormir por la noche.
  • Puede parecer que el alcohol ayuda a conciliar el sueño, pero altera su calidad.
  • Si toma medicamentos prescritos que interfieren con el sueño, como los esteroides, intente tomarlos a primera hora del día para evitar interrupciones del sueño.
Practique una buena higiene del sueño2024-12-19T22:26:53+00:00
  • Asegúrese de que su dormitorio sea un espacio de descanso. Procura no trabajar, comer ni ver la televisión en la cama.
  • Intenta mantener un horario de sueño constante y escucha lo que te dice tu cuerpo.
  • Mantén la habitación fresca y oscura, y utiliza tapones para los oídos, auriculares con cancelación de ruido o una máquina de sonido para relajarte.

Tips for Better Sleep

These methods can be safely used and may improve side effects. Remember: All people are different and respond to treatments differently. Before seeking these approaches, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you!

Medicación para dormir2024-12-19T22:35:43+00:00

Si todo lo demás falla, puede considerar la posibilidad de hablar con su médico sobre un somnífero recetado o marihuana medicinal para ayudarle. Hay una gran variedad de medicamentos diseñados específicamente para ayudarle a dormir, y muchos que pueden abordar las causas subyacentes de los trastornos del sueño, como la ansiedad, que también pueden ayudarle a dormir mejor. Es importante tener en cuenta que todos los medicamentos tienen efectos secundarios y que los que ayudan a dormir pueden crear hábito.

Dirección ansiedad2024-12-19T22:35:02+00:00

La ansiedad puede afectar a la calidad y la frecuencia del sueño. Hablar de sus problemas con alguien que le apoye puede ayudar a aliviar parte de esta ansiedad y, con suerte, a dormir mejor. Escribir un diario también puede ayudar a sacar los sentimientos de ansiedad antes de acostarse.

Si su ansiedad es grave, la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC) con un profesional de la salud mental también puede ayudarle a tratar su ansiedad, lo que le permitirá dormir mejor. Informe de sus problemas de sueño a cualquier persona que le ayude a afrontar la ansiedad.

Iniciar un diario del sueño2024-12-19T22:33:57+00:00

Llevar un registro de cómo duerme y qué actividades ha realizado durante el día puede ayudarle a controlar y evaluar qué actividades tienen más probabilidades de interrumpir o perturbar su sueño esa noche. Esto puede ayudar a realizar cambios de comportamiento que, con suerte, se traducirán en un mejor sueño.

Rutinas para irse a la cama2024-12-19T22:33:27+00:00

No existe una rutina "perfecta" para irse a la cama, pero considere la posibilidad de añadir algunos de estos pasos a su rutina nocturna:

  • Programa un temporizador de "hora de acostarse". Algunas aplicaciones incluso envían una alerta de "relajación".
  • Date un baño o una ducha caliente (si tu piel puede soportarlo) una o dos horas antes de acostarte.
  • Evite las pantallas en la cama y durante aproximadamente una hora antes de acostarse. A algunas personas les gusta leer, ya que ayuda a cansar los ojos.
  • Escribe un diario, reza y/o medita para reflexionar sobre el día.
  • Utiliza aceites de lavanda u otros aceites de aromaterapia o velas para activar las escenas en las que es hora de relajarse. (¡No olvides apagar una vela!)
  • Vístete para estar cómodo.
  • Baja la temperatura de la habitación. La mayoría de la gente duerme mejor cuando la habitación está más fresca que caliente.
  • Oscurece la habitación: apaga las luces, cierra las persianas y crea un espacio oscuro.
  • Haz todo lo posible por relajarte y desconectar. Lo sabemos, que te digan que te relajes es contraproducente, pero si puedes encontrar una rutina que te funcione, ¡utilízala!

Siga una rutina similar cada noche para enseñar a su cerebro y a su cuerpo que es hora de descansar.

Evitar la cafeína, las drogas y el alcohol2024-12-19T22:28:06+00:00

Especialmente antes de acostarse, evite la cafeína, las drogas y el alcohol.

  • Aunque la cafeína puede ayudarle a sentirse más alerta durante el día, tomarla por la tarde puede alterar su capacidad para dormir por la noche.
  • Puede parecer que el alcohol ayuda a conciliar el sueño, pero altera su calidad.
  • Si toma medicamentos prescritos que interfieren con el sueño, como los esteroides, intente tomarlos a primera hora del día para evitar interrupciones del sueño.
Practique una buena higiene del sueño2024-12-19T22:26:53+00:00
  • Asegúrese de que su dormitorio sea un espacio de descanso. Procura no trabajar, comer ni ver la televisión en la cama.
  • Intenta mantener un horario de sueño constante y escucha lo que te dice tu cuerpo.
  • Mantén la habitación fresca y oscura, y utiliza tapones para los oídos, auriculares con cancelación de ruido o una máquina de sonido para relajarte.

Tips for Better Sleep

These methods can be safely used and may improve side effects. Remember: All people are different and respond to treatments differently. Before seeking these approaches, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you!

Medicación para dormir2024-12-19T22:35:43+00:00

Si todo lo demás falla, puede considerar la posibilidad de hablar con su médico sobre un somnífero recetado o marihuana medicinal para ayudarle. Hay una gran variedad de medicamentos diseñados específicamente para ayudarle a dormir, y muchos que pueden abordar las causas subyacentes de los trastornos del sueño, como la ansiedad, que también pueden ayudarle a dormir mejor. Es importante tener en cuenta que todos los medicamentos tienen efectos secundarios y que los que ayudan a dormir pueden crear hábito.

Dirección ansiedad2024-12-19T22:35:02+00:00

La ansiedad puede afectar a la calidad y la frecuencia del sueño. Hablar de sus problemas con alguien que le apoye puede ayudar a aliviar parte de esta ansiedad y, con suerte, a dormir mejor. Escribir un diario también puede ayudar a sacar los sentimientos de ansiedad antes de acostarse.

Si su ansiedad es grave, la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC) con un profesional de la salud mental también puede ayudarle a tratar su ansiedad, lo que le permitirá dormir mejor. Informe de sus problemas de sueño a cualquier persona que le ayude a afrontar la ansiedad.

Iniciar un diario del sueño2024-12-19T22:33:57+00:00

Llevar un registro de cómo duerme y qué actividades ha realizado durante el día puede ayudarle a controlar y evaluar qué actividades tienen más probabilidades de interrumpir o perturbar su sueño esa noche. Esto puede ayudar a realizar cambios de comportamiento que, con suerte, se traducirán en un mejor sueño.

Rutinas para irse a la cama2024-12-19T22:33:27+00:00

No existe una rutina "perfecta" para irse a la cama, pero considere la posibilidad de añadir algunos de estos pasos a su rutina nocturna:

  • Programa un temporizador de "hora de acostarse". Algunas aplicaciones incluso envían una alerta de "relajación".
  • Date un baño o una ducha caliente (si tu piel puede soportarlo) una o dos horas antes de acostarte.
  • Evite las pantallas en la cama y durante aproximadamente una hora antes de acostarse. A algunas personas les gusta leer, ya que ayuda a cansar los ojos.
  • Escribe un diario, reza y/o medita para reflexionar sobre el día.
  • Utiliza aceites de lavanda u otros aceites de aromaterapia o velas para activar las escenas en las que es hora de relajarse. (¡No olvides apagar una vela!)
  • Vístete para estar cómodo.
  • Baja la temperatura de la habitación. La mayoría de la gente duerme mejor cuando la habitación está más fresca que caliente.
  • Oscurece la habitación: apaga las luces, cierra las persianas y crea un espacio oscuro.
  • Haz todo lo posible por relajarte y desconectar. Lo sabemos, que te digan que te relajes es contraproducente, pero si puedes encontrar una rutina que te funcione, ¡utilízala!

Siga una rutina similar cada noche para enseñar a su cerebro y a su cuerpo que es hora de descansar.

Evitar la cafeína, las drogas y el alcohol2024-12-19T22:28:06+00:00

Especialmente antes de acostarse, evite la cafeína, las drogas y el alcohol.

  • Aunque la cafeína puede ayudarle a sentirse más alerta durante el día, tomarla por la tarde puede alterar su capacidad para dormir por la noche.
  • Puede parecer que el alcohol ayuda a conciliar el sueño, pero altera su calidad.
  • Si toma medicamentos prescritos que interfieren con el sueño, como los esteroides, intente tomarlos a primera hora del día para evitar interrupciones del sueño.
Practique una buena higiene del sueño2024-12-19T22:26:53+00:00
  • Asegúrese de que su dormitorio sea un espacio de descanso. Procura no trabajar, comer ni ver la televisión en la cama.
  • Intenta mantener un horario de sueño constante y escucha lo que te dice tu cuerpo.
  • Mantén la habitación fresca y oscura, y utiliza tapones para los oídos, auriculares con cancelación de ruido o una máquina de sonido para relajarte.

Learn more about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

Learn more about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

Learn more about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

Revisión médica

Universidad de Pensilvania

Date reviewed: August 4, 2022