There are some common side effects to chemo and radiation that can be treated naturally, generally without interfering with your conventional protocol. Our doctors hope that the following information will be useful to you. Please keep in mind that it is for informational purposes and is no substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking medical treatment due to information obtained on cLarajean.org.

Insomnia:  Having a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep (such as waking in the middle of the night) can be a problem during chemotherapy or radiation, even for the best sleepers.  There are a variety of causes for insomnia, it’s important if the simple advice given here doesn’t help that you work with your doctor or practitioner to address the underlying causes for your insomnia.

Many of the medications that are administered with chemotherapy, such as steroids, can cause insomnia.  This will often be worst for the first few nights following chemotherapy.  Large hormone fluctuations, similar to menopause, can also cause insomnia.  Hot flashes and night sweats can often aggravate it.  Anxiety and worry can also exacerbate insomnia.

Helping to uncover which are the underlying causes for your insomnia, will allow you to treat it more specifically.

• Melatonin: 1 mg – 3 mg.  This is a natural hormone and powerful anti-oxidant that can help to re-set sleep patterns.
• Exercise: Moving your body through the day, even just gentle walking, can improve your evening sleep.
• Sleep routine: It can help your body to re-set the normal hormonal and biochemical rhythms by having a calming routine every night.  Beginning after dinner, avoid any media (including tv, radio, computers), begin to do calming things (such as listening to quiet and soothing music, knitting, or taking a bath), and avoid any stimulating or aggravating activities. Reading can be calming for some, stimulating for others. Winding down 1-2 hours before bed time will help your body secrete hormones important for quality sleep.
• Caffeine: for some people, caffeine can have lasting effects.  Even one morning cup of coffee or tea can aggravate insomnia later that night.  Many holistic practitioners suggest avoiding caffeine during cancer therapy in general. Try avoiding caffeine for several days and see if your sleep improves.
• Black Cohosh: 40 – 80 mg daily.  If your insomnia is related to hot flashes, the herb black cohosh can help to reduce or even eliminate them.
• Acupuncture: This therapy can help insomnia from many different causes.  It helps with menopausal symptoms, helps to decrease anxiety and can help to re-pattern your body to improve the quality of your sleep.