Key takeaways
Sleep trouble, worry and low mood are common during and after treatment, and caring for them is part of supportive care.
Steady sleep habits, relaxation practices, counselling and massage are some options people explore.
NCCIH reports that mind-body practices such as mindfulness, yoga and tai chi have been studied in people with cancer.
A naturopathic assessment reviews sleep, nutrition and any supplements, including possible interactions with treatment.
Treatment can leave little room for rest or calm. This post shares simple habits for sleep and stress and explains how supportive care works at Nature Doctors.
Ready to talk it through? Book a naturopathic assessment at Nature Doctors or call 204-943-6079.
Why do sleep and stress feel harder during treatment?
Stress, worry and physical discomfort can all make sleep harder, and poor sleep can make stress feel heavier. Stress, changes to your routine and medications are common causes of insomnia, and concerns about work, health, money or family can keep your mind active at night. During treatment, appointments and uncertainty can add to the load. None of this is a personal failing; it is a normal response to a lot happening at once.
What sleep habits are worth trying?
These habits are widely recommended, and many people can adapt them to what their body allows:
Keep the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, including weekends, when possible.
Stay as active as you are able, since regular activity can lead to a good night's sleep.
Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
Avoid large meals close to bedtime.
Make your bedroom comfortable and create a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as a warm bath, reading or soft music.
These are suggestions, not rules. On hard days, rest is allowed.
What does the research say about relaxation and mind-body practices?
NCCIH reports that people with cancer who took part in mindfulness-based interventions had less anxiety, depression, fatigue and stress and a better quality of life, and that yoga provides small-to-moderate improvements in cancer-related fatigue and quality of life. For tai chi and qigong, NCCIH describes favorable effects on fatigue and sleep quality large enough to be meaningful, and reports that tai chi improved overall quality of life when used as an addition to conventional care.
Simple options to try at home include slow breathing, a body scan, guided audio, or gentle stretching before bed. Choose one thing that feels easy. These findings are about comfort and wellbeing and say nothing about the cancer itself.
How might counselling and massage fit?
Counselling. Nature Doctors' counsellor, Jocelyn MacLeod, CCC, offers a place to say what is hard without managing anyone else's feelings. Ask when you book about virtual counselling options.
Massage therapy. NCCIH notes some evidence that massage might help with pain and anxiety in people with cancer. Jennifer Weidemann, RMT provides registered massage therapy at the clinic. Let her know about your treatment so the technique can be adapted.
Acupuncture. Juyin Lu, R.Ac provides acupuncture at the clinic, and can talk through whether it suits you.
What does a naturopathic doctor look at?
A naturopathic assessment through oncology support looks at the whole picture: sleep, stress, nutrition and the supplements and teas you already take. Dr. Aminder Singh, ND and Dr. Sara Korsunsky, ND both list oncology support among their areas of focus. Laboratory testing can add information, and functional lab testing may be added where it would be useful, with results reviewed together at a follow-up visit.
Supplements, IV therapy and other therapies are reviewed in a personalized plan, and possible interactions with your treatment are noted. NCCIH warns that some herbs and supplements can interfere with cancer drugs, so a simple written list of what you take, including anything prescribed, matters before you start a sleep aid, herbal tea or supplement.
Nature Doctors offers virtual naturopathic appointments across Manitoba, which can help on days when travel is too much.
What can I prepare for a first visit?
A few notes on how you have been sleeping and what gets in the way
A simple written list of what you take, including anything prescribed
Your treatment dates and anything coming up
Any recent laboratory results you already have
What about emotional wellbeing after treatment?
When treatment ends, many people expect to feel relief and instead feel tired, uncertain or flat. That is common, and recovery can take time. Gentle routines such as a daily walk, regular meals, time with people you trust and a counselling check-in can give structure. Your naturopathic doctor can help you plan nutrition and energy for recovery at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
Is trouble sleeping normal during treatment?
It is common, and addressing it is part of supportive care.
What is a good first step for better sleep?
A consistent bedtime and a calming wind-down routine are simple places to start.
Can counselling help with worry?
Counselling offers a space to talk through stress, worry and change.
Is massage okay during treatment?
Many people use it for comfort. Tell your therapist about your treatment so technique can be adapted.
Can I take a sleep supplement?
Review it first with your naturopathic doctor for possible interactions with your treatment.
If you have a fever during cancer treatment, trouble breathing, chest pain, or feel you may harm yourself, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
Ready for some support?
Start with a naturopathic assessment with Dr. Aminder Singh, ND or Dr. Sara Korsunsky, ND. You can also ask about counselling and massage therapy when you call. Book online with Nature Doctors, call 204-943-6079, or visit us at 7-1200 Waverley Street, Winnipeg.
Sources
NCCIH, Cancer and complementary health approaches: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cancer-and-complementary-health-approaches-what-you-need-to-know
Canadian Cancer Society, Sleep problems: https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/side-effects/sleep-problems
Canadian Cancer Society, Complementary therapies: https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/complementary-therapies
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