Dormir bien como remedio eficaz contra el cáncer en el Día Mundial del Sueño

Author: Yang Si'e, Special Contributor, Department of Oncology II, Hunan Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Reviewer: Dr. Deng Tianhao, Commisario: Hunan Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Production information: Hunan Medical Chat.

Title: Sleeping Well as an Effective Remedy against Cancer on World Sleep Day.

Mrs. Li, 60 years old (pseudonym), is a patient in recovery following breast cancer surgery. Six months ago, she successfully completed her chemotherapy and thought she could rest peacefully, but she did not expect to be plagued by insomnia. The lack of sleep has caused her more suffering than during chemotherapy: during the day she feels dazed, shows no interest in anything, the mild pain in the surgical area has intensified, and her mood is irritable; she has even begun to resist rehabilitation therapy.

Dr. Deng Tianhao, director of the Department of Oncology II at the Hunan Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, reported that cancer patients like Mrs. Li, who suffer from insomnia, are not an exception. Through scientific adjustments, it is possible to help cancer patients regain lost sleep, which is crucial for their recovery.

Cancer patients and insomnia: a complicated relationship of 'difficult siblings'.

1. Weakened immune system: Sleep is a key period for the repair and strengthening of the immune system. Long-term lack of sleep can lead to a decrease in the activity of 'natural killer cells', which are responsible for eliminating tumor cells, giving tumor cells a chance to develop.

Pain perception intensifies: Lack of sleep decreases the human body's pain tolerance, causing patients to perceive cancer pain as more difficult to endure.

3. Induction of negative emotions: Insomnia and anxiety, as well as depression, feed back into each other, forming a vicious cycle that severely affects the patient's confidence in their treatment and quality of life.

How can cancer patients regain their 'lost sleep'? For cancer patients, restoring good sleep is very important, as sleep has positive effects on both physical recovery and mental health. Here are some suggestions to help cancer patients regain their 'lost sleep': 1. Establish a regular sleeping schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help the body establish a biological clock.

2. Create a comfortable sleeping environment: Ensure the bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool, suitable for sleep. Earplugs or eye masks can be used to block noise and light.

3. Pay attention to diet: Avoid consuming stimulating beverages such as caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. You can opt for warm milk or herbal tea to help relax.

4. Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality.

5. Moderate exercise: Adequate physical activity such as walking or yoga helps reduce stress and improve sleep.

6. Limit daytime napping: If you feel tired during the day, you can take a short nap, but avoid long naps to prevent affecting nighttime sleep.

7. Communicate with your doctor: If there is long-term insomnia or severe sleep problems, consult medical professionals in a timely manner, as targeted treatment or medication intervention may be necessary.

Through these methods, cancer patients can effectively improve sleep quality and regain their lost 'dreamland'.

Establishing a 'sleep rhythm' is more important than sleeping more: try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time in the morning, even if you did not sleep well the night before. During the day, avoid sleeping too much to recover energy, as that will only exacerbate nighttime insomnia.

If physically possible, get more sunlight, walk, or engage in light activities like Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade). Morning sunshine helps calibrate the biological clock and assists in forming a regular sleep rhythm.

2. Learn to reconcile with 'pain': If pain affects your sleep, do not endure it. Consult a doctor promptly and adjust the intake of analgesics to be taken before bedtime, ensuring that the medication reaches its optimal effect at the time of sleep. Find a comfortable position before sleeping, using pillows to support your body and alleviate pressure in areas with prominent bones.

3. Create a 'sleep zone': Disconnect from the internet one hour before sleeping, avoiding looking at the phone, watching short videos, or researching health information. Blue light can inhibit melatonin secretion, and negative information can increase anxiety. You can choose to read paper books or soak your feet in warm water, establishing an exclusive 'pre-sleep relaxation ritual'.

4. Scientific management of 'eating' and 'drinking': Reduce liquid intake 2 to 3 hours before sleeping to minimize the need to urinate at night; avoid strong tea and coffee consumption in the afternoon; avoid overeating at dinner or going to bed hungry to prevent sleep disturbances due to stomach discomfort.

5. Create a comfortable sleeping environment: Use an eye mask to block light and earplugs to isolate noise, making the environment quieter; set appropriate temperature and humidity, keeping the room or bedroom at a cool temperature of 18-22 degrees, which is most suitable for falling asleep. Hospitalized patients can communicate with medical staff to concentrate nighttime care operations and reduce unnecessary interruptions, creating an atmosphere conducive to restorative sleep.

Experts warn.

Dr. Deng Tianhao, director of the Department of Oncology II, reminds that sleep is a natural medicine. For cancer patients, each night of restorative sleep is a way to build strength for recovery. If insomnia persists for more than two weeks after making the mentioned adjustments and symptoms such as dizziness, mental confusion, and extreme fatigue during the day appear, do not endure alone. It is essential to inform the treating physician or consult directly with a sleep specialist for assistance.

Special notice: Cancer patients should refrain from buying sleeping pills on their own. The selection of sleep medications must comprehensively consider chemotherapy treatment, targeted medications the patient is using, as well as liver and kidney function. All should be done under the guidance of a specialized physician.

Hunan Medical Chat special author: Yang Si'e, Department of Oncology II, Hunan Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine).

Follow @Hunan Medical Chat for more information on health and science.

(Editor 92)