Sleep during treatment
Managing insomnia and disrupted sleep
Sources checked: September 2026
The short version
Sleep problems are common during treatment, related to medications like steroids, stress, hot flashes, or the treatment itself. Sleep habits and, sometimes, short-term medical support can help.
Sleep difficulties are common during treatment — sometimes from medications like steroids given alongside chemotherapy, sometimes from hot flashes, stress, or the disruption of frequent appointments.
- Keeping a consistent wake time, even after a rough night, can help regulate your body clock
- Limit caffeine, especially later in the day, if steroids are part of your treatment days
- Gentle wind-down routines and limiting screens before bed may help
- Let your care team know if insomnia is persistent — short-term support may be appropriate
Questions you may want to ask
Could any of my medications be affecting my sleep?
Is there support available for ongoing sleep difficulties?