Problems with sleeping

[Tabby13]

Hi all I have been on niraparib for 2 weeks and I can't sleep, awake all night sometimes. Can anyone offer any advice? I am so exhausted.

[Davonian]

I've been on Niraparib since February and insomnia can be a problem at times. When the insomnia strikes, I've been awake most of the night then finally drop off around 4am. I actually feel like I've had a good sleep even though I'm awake again around 7.30am. Just recently I've found listening to an audio book through ear buds has helped to settle me. I also feel sleeping is better when my health is stable. Have a chat with your CNS they may also have some advice.

[Tabby13 in reply to Davonian]

Thanks very much for your advice, will certainly try audio books!

[Nicky100 in reply to Tabby13]

They are also great and relaxing. xx

[Chick44nzrn in reply to Davonian]

Dear Devonian . For 3 years ( since cancer and treatments )I’ve had five good sleeps only, the rest has been in stretches thru the night , at most 4/5 hours then naps to catch up . I think it’s anxiety ! However my favourite way is to get back to sleep is to turn the light on make a cup of tea and read a very heavy boring book . One is “Physics for beginners “, ( I’m struggling with that!! ) and “The Odyssey” another heavy one . Guarantee in a short time my brain can’t stand any more and goes back to sleep .!! An afternoon nap helps in the weekends too. Tablets don’t agree with everyone but your Gp might suggest something to help . Good luck x

[Davonian in reply to Chick44nzrn]

Hi Denzit, I totally agree that with the cancer and treatments, anxiety is probably the main issue. I know it has been for me since diagnosis in 2016. I've had counselling a few times and taken Zopliclone and herbal tablets which contained Valerian. Zopliclone is addictive and I was on it for longer than I should have been. I gradually came off it by cutting the tablets in half then a quarter over a period of time. It doesn't make the anxiety go away but I definitely got the sleep I needed and sleep is everything. For mental and physical health. A time to heal. So now I try to accept what is (not easy) and on those rough nights, like you, the ear buds go in and the book I'm listening to must be so boring that I don't even realise that I've nodded off until I jump awake again. 🙄😀

[Nicky100 in reply to Davonian]

I take that too. I still take it for a good night’s sleep. x

[Lizzieanne]

I do have some sleeping pills. I was given a pack of 28 zoplicone nearly two years ago. I still have about ten left. Just knowing they are there when I am desperate is very reassuring. They agreed at hospital that it can put your mind at rest. Dont like the feeling next day after taking one but to have your mind shut off is a relief. Can you talk to your doctor. Know what you must be going through. Hope they can help it is torture and things get out of proportion. X

[Tabby13 in reply to Lizzieanne]

Yes I will speak to my doctor about getting some sleeping pills. I agree with you knowing you have some just in case is reassuring. Thank you

[Nicky100 in reply to Tabby13]

I take Zopiclone Tabby. I get a great night’s sleep when I take it.

CBD oil also helps. xx

[Tabby13 in reply to Nicky100]

Hi Nicky thanks for all your advice. Unfortunately some nights I am awake all night! Just out of interest what dose do you take of niraparib?

[Nicky100 in reply to Tabby13]

I had mine lowered to 100mg. 300 mg was awful and I also struggled on 200mg.How much are you taking?

x

[Tabby13 in reply to Nicky100]

I am on 200g but laying awake all night, feel wrecked. Perhaps they might reduce mine to 100g, can't go on like this, not having any life.

[Nicky100 in reply to Tabby13]

Why not ask them if you can try 100mg?I only had a life when I dropped to 100mg.

I still can’t sleep but otherwise feel great and have much more energy. xx

[Nicky100 in reply to Nicky100]

I’ve been on 100mg for over 3 years. A lower dose willgive you your life back. xx

[Tabby13 in reply to Nicky100]

Thanks Nicky, speaking to nurse tomorrow so will see what she thinks

[Nicky100 in reply to Tabby13]

Feel free to tell her about my experience. The Dr should inform you that you can take a lower dose. x

[carrotmunch5]

Hiya I often find difficult sleeping or wake up middle of the night, then awake rest, feel tired all day. I started practicing 1-2restorative yoga poses(using pillows, blanket and eye pillows) then 20mins of yoga nidra before bed seem to work for me. I sleep well now and wake up not feeling tired. Yoga nidra recording which you can find on YouTube I use earphones to hear recordings. I found Caren Bangski on YouTube, she is really good.

[Tabby13 in reply to carrotmunch5]

Thank you I will give that a go

[Differentforgirls]

I feel your pain. So frustrating isn’t it? I’ve been on Niraparib for almost 2 years now & I believe insomnia is one of the common side effects. There have been nights I haven’t got off to sleep until 6am.

Lately, it appears to be better. I try not to use my phone or any device before going to bed. Read a bit & put relaxing spa music on my Spotify ( or birds tweeting or gentle waves 🌊). I also imagine drawing numbers from 100 to 1 in the sand. It’s a way of distracting your mind. To relax my body, I tighten everything up for 10 seconds then release it all. I do this a few times until my body feels more relaxed.

If I’m really struggling I often get up & do something e.g. ironing, dusting.

Really hope you find something that works for you. Xxx

[Dabrown12]

If reading, music, relaxation techniques do not work before 130 am, i resort to a medical marijuana edible of an Indica strain. It calms my anxiety and is very relaxing. I only need to take half of an edible(5mg) .

[Nicky100]

Hi Tabby13,

Sorry you are having problems sleeping. I’m afraid this is one side effect of the drug.

Great news you are in it though. It’s been a wonder for some.

I’ve been on it ages, and in a nutshell (and I’ve tried everything!) the only thing that works for me are sleeping tablets. I don’t want to be on them, but for the sake of a good night’s sleep, it’s a trade off.

Yoga, audiobooks, CBD oil etc. all help relax you.

Speak to your GP if you’re having difficulty. Hopefully they can help.

PM me if you need any help or advice.

Love, Nicky 💕💕