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SLEEP STRATEGIES

It is estimated that one-third to one-half of cancer patients experience problems with getting enough sleep, according to the National Cancer Institute. Sleep is essential for your well-being so do everything you can to ensure adequate rest, and seek help from your provider if you are not getting enough sleep.

Tips from the Christus St. Vincent Sleep Center:

• Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule.

• Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as reading a book, or listening to soothing music or listening to a sleep meditation.

• Your room should be dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.

• Use the bedroom only for sleep.

• Finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime.

• Don’t exercise several hours before bedtime.

• Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.

Tips from the American Cancer Society:

• Keep a sleep diary to track your time and patterns of sleep and naps.

• Talk with your health care team if you notice a change in sleeping patterns.

• Review your list of over-the-counter and prescribed medicine with your health

care team because some medicine can affect sleep.

• Take your medications at the same time every day.

• Talk to your doctor about a referral to a sleep specialist if needed.

The Journey

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2021-02-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-02-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://enewmexican.com/article/282020445015456

Santa Fe New Mexican