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Psychology, family and everyday life

Night-time safety: protecting against falls and delay

At night, darkness, sleepiness, anemia, medicines and frequent trips to the toilet raise the risk of falling. When platelets are low, a fall can cause dangerous bleeding.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A dim hallway lit by soft low lights at night
Figure 1.Keep the way lit at night

01Short answer

Put a night light on the route from the bed to the toilet. Clear the way: no rugs, cables or shoes. Sit for a minute before standing up. Keep non-slip slippers beside the bed. Keep your phone, water, thermometer and glasses within reach. Sleeping tablets and painkillers can cause dizziness, so take extra care at night. If you have a fever, chills, bleeding or shortness of breath at night, do not wait until morning; call your team or 112. If someone sleeps nearby, do not hesitate to wake them.

02Simple explanation

A night light.

A clear path.

Sit before standing.

Symptoms: do not wait for morning.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: when platelets are low, protecting yourself from falls and knocks reduces bleeding risk.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Anemia

With low haemoglobin, getting up quickly can cause fainting.

Bathroom

A grab rail and non-slip mat in the bathroom (“Bathroom safety: wet floors and hot water”).

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
AnemiaWith low haemoglobin, getting up quickly can cause fainting.
BathroomA grab rail and non-slip mat in the bathroom (“Bathroom safety: wet floors and hot water”).
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Night light
A constant low light.
Fall risk
The likelihood of falling.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Light.
  • Clear path.
  • Call.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

I go to the toilet often at night.

Drink a little earlier in the evening, unless your team limits fluids.

Is it rude to wake someone?

No; safety matters more.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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. I go to the toilet often at night.

  2. Is it rude to wake someone?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. American Cancer Society. Depression and Cancer
  6. NHS (UK). Breathing exercises for stress
  7. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2023. Management of Anxiety and Depression in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update
  8. ESMO Open, 2023. Anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline
  9. Psycho-Oncology, 2019. Mindfulness-based interventions for psychological and physical health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  10. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2013. Fear of cancer recurrence in adult cancer survivors: a systematic review of quantitative studies
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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