Are you on prednisone by any chance?  It is notorious for causing insomnia.  If you are, make sure to take it first thing in the morning -- it will be impossible to sleep if you take it later in the day.

Many of us have found that it's best not to force yourself into what used to be your normal sleep pattern (although it can be a problem if you have to go to work).  Just read or watch TV if you can't sleep at night -- and if you can, nap whenever you feel tired during the day. 

There are of course many other medications you can try (none of them worked for me), but you would need a prescription.

Cranky

I had TERRIBLE insomnia during RCHOP.  Between the thought of having cancer, the Prednisone and the terrible night sweats from being put in menopause I always tell people I don't think I slept a good nights sleep from diagnosis in Oct. 07 to finishing treatment in Feb. 08.

No matter how tired I was, and trust me I was exhausted I had a terrible time napping and could not sleep through the night.

Hi Mag,

I feel for you with the insomnia!  Think we've all been there during and even after chemo.  Have you tried aromatherapy as an alternative to medication?  Lavender is a natural relaxer.  I've found when I just can't turn off the mind, rubbing some lavender oil on my neck and hands (I sleep on my side with my hands near my face) really works for me.  You could also try a warm shower or batch with lavender bath salts or body wash in addition.  Or maybe a lavender sachet in your pillow case.  Anything to get that aroma in a location you can breathe it in.  It's worked like a charm for me on "those nights".  Also I consciously foucs on slowly and deeply (from the tummy) breathing in and out....in and out.... in and out..... thinking of nothing but the breathing.... 

Hope you can get some good and restful sleep - it's important to your recovery.

Sharon

I second the Benadryl recommendation.  Though it becomes less effective over time.  It was the only way I was able to handle the crash the day following my last Prednisone.  I was careful to take the prednisone always at the same time each day, then on the day that I didn't get any, I took the Benadryl instead.  It put me to sleep, I usually continued taking it later in the day and the next day, and it got me past horrible panic attacks.  As I got better, the insomnia really kicked in during Prednisone.  Normally I deal with insomnia by just getting up and doing something like reading, watching tv, etc., but that was difficult because of the form my nausea took, which only allowed me one entertainment --- talking.  So it took a toll on my husband waking him up to chat.  In any case, when the Benadryl wasn't enough, as I finally was getting better, I tried Unisom, which is based on different ingredients and did a nice job of putting me to sleep.

Yep it's 5:50 am here in the UK and it's time I tried to get asleep again. Managed 3 hours from 11pm to 2 am tonight . I hated being on pred but the crash was well worth it. At least I got some good sleep during crash time. 3 months on from treatment and my sleep patterns have gone awol again.........Tony