Since having chemotherapy for Breast Cancer I have not been able to sleep at all. I was not menopausal prior to chemo. A good nights sleep is 5 hours but this is rare. I have tried everything including HRT. Have just finished 5 years of taking Tomoxifen. I have tried everything including HRT. I was wondering if being on HRT alone (without tomoxifen) may increase the chance of me being able to sleep. I am aware of the dangers of HRT related to Breast Cancer but I am desparate to get my life back. I was a young vibrant positive woman and am now unable to work due to insomnia. Also is this likely to improve as the years go on. I am now coming up for my 6 year anniversary. Thank you for your help. JB
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Q: Chronic Insomnia after Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Answers (2)
3/20/10 6:36am
This is a common issue, unfortunately. First thing I'd do, if I were you, is go to a sleep clinic and see if they can help you. Your oncologist should be able to refer you - have you discussed this with him/her? Because if so, I'm surprised you have't been treated at this type of specialized clinic yet (or maybe you have?) Please read our series on sleep issues for an explanation of what's happening, and what you might do about it. As for HRT, it definitely increases your risk of recurrence; but it's worth asking your doctor how much your risk is with/without using it, because if it helps you sleep, the tradeoff might be worth it. Good luck - PJH
3/20/10 8:21am
Hi - I don't have medical training - just a BC survivor - so can't really advise on this as a medical issue. I think you should see anyone and everyone till you get this nailed. Like you, I had severe sleep issues; now, nearly 10 years out, they've gradually abated. Understand that this won't last forever; change is a constant. Sometimes change comes WAY too slowly, but it does happen. And time heals. In the meantime - sure, see the endocrinologist. At this point, there's no telling what will finally help. Good luck to you - I've been there, and I remember how devastating it is. PJH
3/20/10 5:34pm
Thank you so much PJH. It is so comforting to know that someone else out there has had such a serious problem and that things have now improved. You have been a big help - Thank you JB
3/20/10 6:27pm
PJH I just have to tell you that you are the first person to have told me that this won't last forever. I can tell you can understand where I am at right now and by sharing your situation with me has given me hope that I will get there. I am a very determined person and know I am going to get through this. Thank you again JB
3/20/10 10:40pm
Well, as I said, things change - it's inevitable. I just hope your situation changes SOON. Have you tried home remedies like Tylenol PM or Benadryl? I have a lot of friends who find some relief using OTC medications... PJH
3/21/10 2:22am
I do take Valerian Forte which does provide some assistance. I am in Brisbane Australia and Tylenol PM and Benadryl is paracetomol and cough mixture down here - is that correct? Not sure where you are located. Have just spoken to my local pharmacy and they have told me that a product called Natures Own Complete Sleep which has been released here about 6 months ago has had some very good reports. It contains Lactium and Zizyphus Jujuba. Both of which I have not heard of before. 3 Days after stopping taking Tomoxifen and 1 day prior to commencing the reduction of HRT I had 7 hours uninterrupted sleep which I have never had in the last 51/2 years - I felt brilliant the next day - like my old self. The following day I reduced my HRT and did not sleep that night. I have a feeling if I go back up to the dose of HRT that I was on and being off the Tomoxifen that I may just sleep. This indicates to me that there is something in the HRT that is balancing my system so it can sleep. Not that I want to stay on the HRT but in the short term it may provide a clue to my solution. How did you eventually resolve your sleep issue? Hope you have had a great day. JB
3/21/10 6:13am
Benadryl is the trade name for diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine for allergies. It tends to make people drowsy, which is a disadvantage for daytime allergy treatment, but which can be helpful for insomnia. I'm not a doctor or sleep expert, but I understand that one disadvantage to almost any sleep aid you might try is that as our bodies tend to get accustomed to one, it can become less effective, so you should use the smallest dose that it helpful and try not to use it every night (unless it's a prescription drug that needs to be taken every day to be effective). One important sleep habit that has helped me is to make bed a place for sleeping, not work, etc. I also tend to do better if I get up and do something else for a little while instead of lying in bed fretting about not sleeping.
3/21/10 6:24am
Thank you for your help P. JB
3/21/10 10:26am
JB, I got over the worst of it by participating in a sleep study (detailed in that sleep series I sent you to initially), where I basically recalibrated my sleep clock; and learned some good tips about how to encourage sleep. Since then, when I find myself back-slipping, I 1) try not to stress over it; 2) recall some of the tips (a bit of carbs a little before bed; don't lie awake, get up and do something else); 3) remember that "this too shall pass." I trust some of this advice will work for you - PJH
6/ 7/12 10:45am
I am a 11 year survivor with your same symptons. My doctor gives me Ambien but it only works for 4 hours and then i am awake. Then she says do not take it every day because it is not good for you. I also take xanax but she will have me only take 1 a week. I thought i was alone in this but i see i am not. I need help too.
6/ 7/12 10:25pm
You might try a sleep clinic - many women have had good results with that. You may be able to learn some behaviors that help turn your sleep (lack of sleep) patterns around... Hope you get some help soon. PJH
6/ 8/12 5:53am
One trick I have recently tried is choosing an item, say cities or flowers, and going through the alphabet--Aster, Begonia, and so forth. This is usually interesting enough that it keeps my mind off whatever was keeping me awake and boring enough that I am often asleep by Larkspur. I also find a noise machine set to a soothing sound helps me.
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By JB— Last Modified: 06/08/12, First Published: 03/20/10
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Thank you PJH. I have been to a sleep clinic but they were unable to find anything. I was also considering an endocrinologist. My mother had her thyroid out in her early 40's and was difficult to detect. I would appreciate your thoughts on this avenue please. Thank you so much for your help. JB