Sleep disruption at a glance
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep are all markers of sleep disruption. They can impact your ability to function, may worsen symptoms and side effects during cancer treatment, and may even affect your response to treatment. Many therapies and practices are available to help you get the sleep you need.
If you have difficulty managing your daily schedule to give yourself at least seven hours in bed before you need to get up, see our Sleeping Well handbook for guidance.
In this handbook, we discuss ways to manage and improve your sleep quality if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep once you’re in bed.
Prescription sleep medications are effective at promoting sleep, but many come with risks and side effects. Behavior changes and complementary therapies may be effective without these side effects.
Sleep disruption may be a symptom of stress. If stress is contributing to your sleep disruption, managing your stress response will be important for you.
Top practices and therapies for managing sleep disruption
The effects of these practices and therapies on sleep are described on What approaches can help you manage sleep disruption? ›
Therapies and practices we have reviewed
Complementary therapies
Further therapies and practices
Therapies recommended in clinical practice guidelines; see guidelines ›
Chinese herbal blends (consult a Chinese medicine practitioner)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Hypnotherapy