As a cancer patient, getting quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.
You know how good it feels to wake from a deep sleep. You can feel the rejuvenation of your mind and body which sets you up for the day. Studies have shown that sleep can help improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments and boost the immune system.
There are many factors which go into explaining why sleep is so good for you, but let’s quickly take a look at the most important elements of a good nights sleep.
Factor 1: Circadian Rhythm
One crucial factor in achieving quality sleep is maintaining a regular circadian rhythm.
To do this, wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, including the weekend. Establishing a natural sleep-wake cycle will improve your sleep pattern, bringing health benefits.
Factor 2: Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your sleep cycle; the pineal gland in the brain produces it. Exposure to natural light during the day can help regulate melatonin production, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
To find out more about melatonin take a look at this YouTube interview by stage 4 cancer survivor, Chris Wark and Dr. Russel Reiter, who has studied melatonin for most of his career and claims it has anti-cancer properties.
Factor 3: Light Pollution
Exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt melatonin production and interfere with sleep. Electronic devices, streetlights, and other artificial light sources can cause this.
To combat light pollution, it’s important to limit exposure to electronic devices before bed; use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light.
If you want to know more information about the effects of light pollution on your sleep, then you can take a look at these articles by National Geographic and Live Science .
Tips For A Good Nights Sleep
You can improve the quality of your sleep by following these steps before you go to bed.
- Engage in regular exercise
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
- Keep lighting in your home low, or turn lights off in the evening and overnight.
- Remove electronics from the bedroom
- Wear an eye mask in bed to block out any light
Improving the quality of your sleep during cancer treatment can boost your immune system, help with your mood and support your recovery between hospital visits.
