Sleep and NHL

[Shar0n]

Following on from this post last week: healthunlocked.com/non-hodg...

Do you think you are getting enough sleep? Any tips for improving sleep quality?

How important do you believe that sleep is in maintaining health in NHL?

[Felix_2010]

I'm definitely not getting enough sleep. Sometimes I find it hard to relax enough to sleep, sometimes the night sweats wake me up. Apart from feeling spaced out the next day, I also notice that I don't feel as well physically. I think insomnia definitely exacerbates my symptoms.

[Shar0n Volunteer in reply to Felix_2010]

I've always been a bit of an insomniac myself and often wonder if it's a contributory factor in NHL. If I can't sleep I do some deep slow breathing and try to release any tension I notice in my hands,feet or jaw. If I'm still awake at 5am I get up , have a cup of tea and plan my day ahead with pen and paper. I won't use the computer before 7am as it seems to make me feel more tired and wired.

If I've been up at five a couple of mornings in a row I can usually get 6-7 hours the following night. There are no easy answers. Keeping the caffeine to mornings (before noon) can help a bit.

[Felix_2010 in reply to Shar0n]

I wondered about the insomnia being a possible symptom too. I had problems before my diagnosis too.

[laylalulu]

Sleep is SO important, sometimes age is a factor the older we are the less we sleep at night. Then those of us who are fortunate enough to nap in the afternoon fall into that cycle lol, me anyway. Many things can wake us at night like having to go pee lol. It's hard to go back to sleep. I find since I've been working out and walking/running sleep is better. Get your sleep peeps whether it be at night or taking a siesta in the day. Sleep rejuvenates and allows our bodies to heal. Easier said than done I suppose for people dealing with side effects from treatment . My Dad slept a great deal when he was having chemo. I think your body just needs it. Have a good one stay strong 💪