Sleep problems

Illness, pain, drugs, being in hospital, and stress can cause sleep problems. Sleep problems may include:

• having trouble falling asleep
• sleeping only for short amounts of time
• waking up in the middle of the night
• having trouble getting back to sleep.

To help with your sleep problems, you may want to try:

• reducing noise, dimming the lights, making the room warmer or cooler, and using pillows to support your body
• dressing in soft, loose clothing
• going to the toilet before bed
• eating a high-protein snack two hours before bedtime (such as peanut butter, cheese, nuts, or some sliced chicken or turkey)
• avoiding caffeine (coffee, teas, colas, hot cocoa)
• keeping regular sleep hours (avoid naps longer than 30 minutes)
• talking with your health care team about medications to help you sleep. These may give relief on a short-term basis.