Born to be. My sleep was awful for weeks and weeks before and after diagnosis. I literally did not sleep through that time. What helped was
Increasing my anti-depressant dose to help with anxiety
Tried zoplicone from the GP. Worked very short term but left me feeling crap in the mornings and very soon I was only getting 3 hours a night taking it so seemed a bit pointless.
The things that helped the most with me were:
Speaking to a MacMillan nurse in desperation over the ‘phone who, whilst not suggesting anything amazing, was helpful to talk to and it made me a bit more determined to try a couple of things I hadn’t tried before like a sleep/hypnosis app.
Reflexology. My first appointment the therapist said I was just a bundle of adrenaline. I managed to relax and actually yawned which I realised even though I was exhausted I hadn’t been doing. I had this at Macmillan but I’ve carried on having it privately at home.
Downloaded a sleep/hypnosis app which helped in getting off to sleep.
And strangely perhaps, listening to the World Service on the radio quietly at night. I think because it’s speech radio I just start listening and it must distract me because I do drift off.
My sleep still isn’t brilliant as I wake up every night, get up, have tea and toast, read and then usually manage to get back to sleep at some point.
But I do fall asleep easily at night even if I wake up later.
Also I think mentally I was fighting the idea that I could have cancer but at some point, partly with the help of this forum, I accepted that I had it and became more focused on just dealing with it and getting through the treatment which I also think lessened my anxiety.
Hope this helps
Xxx