Sleep After Cancer: Practical Ways to Manage Fatigue and Rest Better

Struggling with Sleep After Cancer?

For many people post treatment, sleep doesn’t bounce back the way they expected.

Fatigue lingers. Switching off is harder. Even when you do all the ‘right’ things - no caffeine, fresh air, exercise - rest can still feel out of reach.

As part of our ongoing series of expert-led sessions, Sleep scientist and health psychologist Dr Sophie Bostock joined us to explore practical strategies for improving sleep, managing fatigue and enhancing your wellbeing after cancer.

Dr Bostock shared a few simple evidence-based strategies to improve sleep and reduce fatigue.

Session Takeaway: Tools to Support Your Energy after Cancer

 

To offer more support around sleep and fatigue after cancer, Dr Bostock shared two helpful resources you can explore in your own time.

Living with disrupted sleep and ongoing fatigue after cancer can feel overwhelming — like nothing helps, or that only a complete overhaul will make a difference. But often, small, consistent changes during the day can gently support better rest at night.

Below you’ll find 12 everyday actions that may help boost your energy and support better sleep.

Think of them as gentle prompts rather than a to-do list — something to dip into in your own time, in a way that feels manageable for you.

Your Sleep Hygiene Checklist

Wondering how to put these tips into practice?

Our Sleep Hygiene Checklist offers a clear, practical way to review your current sleep habits and identify small, manageable changes that can make a real difference over time.

Download the checklist to reflect on what’s already working for you and where there’s room to build new habits — all at a pace that feels right.

Download your sleep hygiene checklist

What Helps Most with Sleep and Fatigue after Cancer?

When we asked Dr Bostock - "When it comes to sleep and fatigue after cancer, what’s the one thing that helps the most?"

She shared this:

"A focus on consistent sleep timing can be a powerful lever for improving energy during the day. But if you're struggling with sleep, try not to worry; sleep disruption is a natural response to stress. Focus on what you can do during the day – like getting outdoors, eating well or connecting with others. Those things will reduce fatigue, and sleep will often follow.”

We hope you’ve found something practical to try and a reminder that small changes can make a real difference.

Navigating Life After Treatment? Where to Find Support

If life after cancer feels more difficult than expected, you are not alone.

We regularly invite experts to share evidence-based information and practical tools for life after cancer. Visit our Events page to explore our free sessions and see what's on this month.

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