Sleep disorders that are related to cancer may be treated by eliminating the cancer and side effects of cancer treatment. To promote rest and treat sleep disorders the following may be considered:

• Create an environment that decreases sleep interruptions by:
  • Lowering noise.
  • Dimming or turning off lights.
  • Adjusting room temperature.
  • Keeping bedding, chairs, and pillows clean, dry, and wrinkle-free.
  • Using bedcovers for warmth.
  • Placing pillows in a supportive position.
  • Encouraging the patient to dress in loose, soft clothing.
• Encourage regular bowel and bladder habits to minimize sleep interruptions, such as
  • No drinking before bedtime.
  • Emptying the bowel and bladder before going to bed.
  • Increasing consumption of fluids and fiber during the day.
  • Taking medication for incontinence before bedtime.

Rest in patients with cancer may also be promoted by:

• Eating a high- protein snack 2 hours before bedtime.
• Avoiding heavy, spicy, or sugary foods 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
• Avoiding drinking alcohol or smoking 4 to 6 hours before bedtime.
• Avoiding drinks with caffeine.
• Exercising (which should be completed at least 2 hours before bedtime).
• Keeping regular sleeping hours.

Drugs may also be used to help patients with cancer manage their sleep disorders.

Glossary Terms

A chemical substance found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is also found in some medicines, mouthwashes, essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants), and household products.

The organ that stores urine.

The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. The bowel has two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel. Also called intestine.

A substance found in the leaves and beans of the coffee tree, in tea, yerba mate, guarana berries, and in small amounts in cocoa. It can also be made in the laboratory, and is added to some soft drinks, foods, and medicines. Caffeine increases brain activity, alertness, attention, and energy. It may also increase blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and the loss of water from the body in urine.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.

In food, fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that cannot be digested. The fiber in food may help prevent cancer. In the body, fiber refers to tissue made of long threadlike cells, such as muscle fiber or nerve fiber.

A substance that flows smoothly and takes the shape of its container. Liquids and gases are fluids.

Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or the escape of stool from the rectum (fecal incontinence).

A legal drug that is used to prevent, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition.

A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.

A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.

A disturbance of normal sleep patterns. There are a number of sleep disorders that range from trouble falling asleep, to nightmares, sleepwalking, and sleep apnea (problems with breathing that cause loud snoring). Poor sleep may also be caused by diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, or nerve disorders.