I wouldn't say I'm afraid of the dark but since my illness began I've not been able to settle down or sleep until my other half comes to bed which can sometimes be hours after I go up, so I know what you feel to a point.

I've got a dimmed lamp and something like this might be able to help you? Or even just leaving the TV on but muted might help?

Hi Angel105

Whilst I'm not afraid of the dark, I find nights are the worst since being diagnosed.  I can carry on all day and every day but I wake up a couple of hours after going to bed and then cannot get back to sleep.  I'm not sure why as I do all I can to avoid thinking about my upcoming surgery but sleep is illusive.

My Husband suggested yesterday that I speak to the Dr about it which I may do but just don't want any other medication at this point in time.  All ideas on how to stay asleep gratefully received!!

Hope you get back to sleep tonight Angel105 and your treatment is going well.

Rosie

Yes I leave my TV on but mute and my Hymilain salt lamp,xx

Thanks Angel55.

I was up from 1.15 until 5.30 as just couldn't sleep.  Managed an hour and a half at 5.30 but then got up to take our dog for a walk.  

Sadly my treatment is all halted until my infection clears up, my wound seals and my blood results come through clear.  My mastectomy should have been 1st November (exactly a month after my lumpectomy) but now it's a waiting game.  The next suggested date is 20th November but we're just waiting to see........

Hope you sleep well tonight!

Rosie

Thank you Rosie,il be praying for you, yes I'm due my next chemo in two weeks, hoping my bloods come back up so I can receive treatment,Sleep Tight,xx

Hello everyone 

I am also having trouble sleeping which is a new experience for me. Newly diagnosed, I haven’t found the words to tell anyone yet, so find myself rehearsing various announcements in my head when I should be sleeping! It’s also the time when I allow myself to really think about things ...mostly all the jobs I can no longer put off :0(

Hi all,

Really sorry to hear about your sleep problems which I have also suffered with a lot. It feels like just when you need to be strong and rested to cope with what's coming, in fact being so tired stops you thinking straight or even being able to function properly. I really sympathsise.

Since being diagnosed 2 month ago with brain tumour, I have found lack of sleep the worst aspect. Mostly sleeping 11:00pm-1:30am then awake for rest of day which can't be good night after night. Eventually, I went to doctor to get sleeping pills and last night I slept 9:30pm-2:30am and then again 4:00am-5:00am. It's not quite the same sleep as a natural one, but it does feel good to get some hours in. Doctor recommended using pills for a few days and then having a break so as not to get too reliant.

For me I think it's the dexamethasone medicine which causes insomnia. I take it once at 8:00am and again at 12:00pm, but never later than that.

I have found that sleeping in my dark upstairs bedroom with no phone, TV, music etc. is best, but my biggest problem is that I wake up every 1-2 hours needing a wee and then find it hard to get back to sleep, so maybe best not to drink anything in the evening. Also try to get too stressed about it - if I am wide awake I come downstairs and read or put some relaxing music on.

There are also some natural sleeping remedies I found in health shop which worked a bit, but I'm hoping that getting into a 'bed at 9:30pm' routine is the way forward. And not getting too stressed when this doesn't work! I am trying not to sleep in front of TV in the evening, but I did read that having an afternoon sleep is a good idea, but might try that in the future if I feel really need it?

hope this helps, visgraat