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.