I used to never have a problem sleeping. Since when I first began chemotherapy in October I have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep - and I usually don't nap. I have been telling myself it was from the chemo drugs keeping me wired. But my last chemo was Dec. 13 & I'd think it was out of my system by now - but I still cannot sleep well. I know you need to get deep REM sleep for the body to rejuvenate. But, I still watch the hours pass by before I get to sleep, then I seem to wake up several times before morning. This is getting old!
My chemotherapy oncologist thought the sleep problem was a result of anxiety & prescribed me Xanax to take at night, but that does not help with the sleeping issue. I really don't think I am anxious. I have had good pathology reports & have a deep faith, so I am not worried about the big "C". I finally called my internist from UTSW & have an appointment with him next week to discuss this. I am hesitant to go on prescription "sleeping pills", but I think that is lesser than the evil of not getting rejuvenative sleep. My body needs rejuvenative sleep while I'm undergoing breast cancer treatment. I start radiation the first of February & they say that causes fatigue - so I need to be able to sleep to recover from that side effect.
I have tried all the "home remedies" - reading, watching tv & over-the-counter sleep aids which leave me feeling groggy in the morning. So, I'm anxious to see my internist next week to see what solution he has to offer.
