Tips to help you sleep better

The following tips are based on the experience of health professionals and women themselves:

• tell your healthcare team about any pain or other symptoms you have
• do some gentle exercise each day – ask your doctor, nurse or physiotherapist about exercises you can do even if you are in bed or sitting down for much of the day
• try and get into a routine during the day with visits from friends to keep you busy and stop you from dozing during the day
• avoid coffee, tea and other drinks with caffeine in them in the afternoon and evening
• have a warm drink such as herbal tea or warm milk before you go to bed
• try deep breathing and relaxation
• have a massage from a qualified massage therapist or a friend or partner
• have a warm bath before you go to bed
• try putting essential oils, such as lavender oil, on your pillow
• if you have problems sleeping, use the time to read or listen to music.