Chronic insomnia

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hello,

a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, spread to left lung and spine. I am taking letrozole, ribociclib and have denosumab every three months. I cope pretty well and still work full time. However, I am struggling with really bad insomnia. I am lucky to get 3 -4 hours broken sleep a night and then I am shattered during the day. I have been given zopiclone to use one a night during the week and 2 on the weekend. I tend not to use it in the week at all only at weekends and it helps somewhat. During one of my appointments I discussed this issue and was told I am probably suffering with anxiety, I have palpitations and cant relax in the evening. I was advised to see my doctor to get something for this. Would this then replace the zopiclone? Also, I have read that it is not good to take zopiclone long term? Any help would be appreciated.

2

Hello jackbaz

Thank you for posting.

It sounds like you are going through a difficult time with broken sleep and feeling shattered during the day.

Many people experience periods of insomnia and anxiety when living with secondary breast cancer. This can be because of coping with treatments, managing uncertainty or other practical concerns. It is not unusual to require sleeping tablets or other medications to help with this.

Generally, sleeping tablets such as zopiclone are prescribed for a short period of time to try and break the cycle of sleeplessness. This should be reviewed on a regular basis by your GP or breast cancer team. Macmillan have some good information on managing insomnia which you may find useful.

Some people will take a daily medication such as an antidepressant to help with anxiety alongside a sleeping pill, but again this should be reviewed regularly. Medication for anxiety is often used with talking therapies such as counselling or CBT. You may also want to look at this information on suggestions of other ways of managing anxiety.

We also have a secondary breast cancer online discussion forum including a private chat group for sharing information and support which you may find helpful. There is also a weekly Live chat session which runs on Tuesdays at 8.30-9.30pm.

You may be interested in some of our other services for people living with secondary breast cancer aimed at providing both information and support online and face-to-face. These include Our Living with Secondary Breast Cancer Online groups facilitated by trained counsellors and speakers live sessions. Our face to face Living with Secondary Breast Cancer groups meet up monthly and also give you the chance to connect with and share experiences with other people who understand what you’re going through.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

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Best wishes

Angela

Breast Care Nurse

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