The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that currently, there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States. An estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States last year. Approximately 1,910 new cases are expected in men. The ACS also reports that an estimated 40,610 breast cancer deaths are expected in 2009 (40,170 women, 440 men).

Cancer treatment can be difficult for a patient both on physical and mental levels. While a person suffering from breast cancer experiences the physical pain of treatment, they often also experience, fatigue, anxiety, anger, depression and insomnia.

Dr. Michael J. Breus reported to the Huffington Post that as many as one-third of all cancer patients develop sleep problems during treatment that then can persist for years afterwards- even after the cancer has gone into remission.

Dr. Sonia Ancoli-Israel, PhD, professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego told the American Academy of Sleep Medicine that the relationship between sleep, fatigue, mood and cancer is complex; however, research shows that sleep is a vital element to a patient’s full recovery.

Physicians treating breast cancer patients should raise awareness of the importance of sleep, because getting a good night’s sleep not only contributes to physical recovery but may also improve quality of life.

Ancoli-Israel says that women suffering from breast cancer should focus on creating and maintaining good sleep hygiene. A few examples of healthy sleep habits include:

• Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day
• Exercise regularly no matter how fatigued you feel even if only for a few minutes
• Nap only in the afternoon and for no more than 30 minutes
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon and evening
• Make time during the day to focus on sources of anxiety rather than waiting and letting thoughts overwhelm you when you get into bed.

Most importantly, seek the help of a sleep physician if you continue to have trouble sleeping or feel unusually tired in the daytime.  Don’t suffer with these problems because you think it is just part of dealing with the cancer.  A sleep doctor may have some very helpful remedies.

Because cherries contain melatonin, consistently consuming tart cherries may help regulate the body’s natural sleep cycle and increase sleep efficiency.  Although drinking cherry juice is not as effective as prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids, it may increase the body’s natural supply of melatonin.

Fifteen people were included in the study, and they drank eight ounces of a tart cherry juice drink in the morning and evening for two weeks. Participants experienced significant reductions in insomnia severity. Compared to when they were not drinking the juice.

Insomnia symptoms include difficulty falling or staying asleep, un-refreshing sleep or waking up too early. These problems can be caused by anxiety, a change of routine or travel. Often, neither the patient nor the physician can pinpoint exactly what instigated the insomnia.

If you are having difficulty sleeping, making small changes in your sleep habits may help. Going to bed and waking up every day at the same time, avoiding exercise and alcohol before bed and cooling the temperature in your bedroom may improve the quality of your sleep.

If  the sleep problem persists for more than six weeks, you should visit a sleep specialist, who will be able to provide you with the best treatment options. The doctor may prescribe sleep aids, or may advise that you partake in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Untreated insomnia is associated with decreased attention and awareness and increased risk for weight gain, extreme mood changes, and even increased mortality risks over the long run.

Insomnia can be challenging to both the patient and the physician, but if they work together with a creative approach, then the patient usually can make great improvements.

Many people fail to realize that they are putting both their mental and physical health at risk by not getting the sleep they need. Serious health problems such as heart disease, obesity and depression are associated with sleep deprivation.  A lack of sleep can also weaken the immune system, which increases vulnerability to disease.

While the amount of sleep varies individually, most people need seven-to-eight hours of sleep each night in order to maintain good health.

A variety of factors can lead to sleep deprivation, including stress, change of environment and illness.  If you notice a change in your mood or you are frequently struggling to fall or stay asleep, there are several initial steps you can take in order to improve your sleep on your own.

First, establish a bedtime routine that includes “wind down” time before bed. Avoid caffeine and exercise in the evening, as both are stimulants and make it more difficult to fall asleep. After consulting a primary physician, you may want to try an over-the-counter sleep aid, such as melatonin , which is considered to be a natural sleep aid. If problems persist, you may need professional help to resolve your sleep issues.

http://longevitymag.co.za/i_columnists/sleep-on-it/

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/sleep-supplements-herbs?page=2