← Back
Nutrition and daily life

Sleep and fatigue: pacing your energy

Cancer-related fatigue differs from ordinary tiredness: sleep does not fully relieve it. Anaemia, treatment, eating little, infection and anxiety can all cause it. This section covers living with fatigue and sleeping better.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Dim light at night — Sleep and fatigue: pacing your energy
Figure 1.A calm bedroom — Sleep and fatigue: pacing your energy

01Short answer

Plan your energy: do important things when you are strongest, and accept help. Rest briefly in the day (20–30 minutes); long daytime naps can disturb night sleep. Light movement reduces fatigue. Go to bed and get up at the same times. Avoid coffee, tea and heavy meals in the evening. Enough fluid and protein help against fatigue. Sudden severe weakness, breathlessness, palpitations, pallor or fever: tell your team, as it may be anaemia or infection.

02Simple explanation

Plan your energy.

Short daytime rests.

Light movement.

Sleep at regular times.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: physical activity is one of the best-evidenced ways to reduce cancer-related fatigue.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

Insomnia

Steroids can disturb sleep; ask your team about taking the dose in the morning.

An armchair with a blanket by a window.
Figure 2.A short rest — Sleep and fatigue: pacing your energy

Anxiety

A psychologist or relaxation techniques help sleep.

Warm milk and a book.
Figure 3.An evening ritual — Sleep and fatigue: pacing your energy

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
InsomniaSteroids can disturb sleep; ask your team about taking the dose in the morning.
AnxietyA psychologist or relaxation techniques help sleep.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Cancer-related fatigue
Tiredness that rest does not relieve.
Anaemia
Low haemoglobin.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Plan.
  • Move.
  • Keep a sleep rhythm.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I take sleeping pills?

Only if your doctor prescribes them.

Will an energy drink help?

No; it can cause palpitations and insomnia.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I take sleeping pills?

  2. Will an energy drink help?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  3. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  5. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  6. American Cancer Society. Eating Problems
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Vitamins
  8. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: B vitamins and folic acid
  9. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin K
  10. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12 — Fact Sheet for Consumers
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →