When Sleep Eludes You

Sleep is essential for our bodies to restore our energy and recharge to keep us going. Seldom is sleep more important than when  coping with cancer, its treatment, and survivorship. Yet sleep is so connected to how we feel physically and mentally that cancer-related stress can often disturb our sleep quality and patterns. Getting a good night’s sleep may be most elusive when we need it the most. 

Sleep Basics
Understanding how sleep works can give you insight into how to improve your sleep while coping with cancer. One of the ways we balance sleep and wakefulness is through the buildup of sleep pressure that occurs the longer we are awake. Sleep pressure is at its lowest after a full night’s sleep when our sleep needs are met. 

READ MORE: When Sleep Eludes You: Getting a Good Night’s Rest While Coping with Cancer