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harleytiger avatar

Insomnia after Neck Radiation

Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: Feb 25 5:53pm | Replies (19)

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sepdvm

@harleytiger I believe anything is a possible side effect from radiation. While I have dealt with insomnia, I did not correlate it with radiation. Stress and anxiety are more likely culprits for me. Neck fibrosis has been an issue causing nighttime headaches, though. I found that using a topical NSAID like Voltaren on my neck at bedtime, along with some neck stretches helps considerably. Perhaps the stiffness you experience with a prolonged period of not moving your head on a pillow while sleeping is a cause? of awakening. I have read that very high doses of Melatonin can actually cause sleeplessness so I wondered if you have played with that dose? I take 2 mg at most and it really helps me. Chamomile tea at bedtime can be helpful also.

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Replies to "@harleytiger I believe anything is a possible side effect from radiation. While I have dealt with..."

@sepdvm Thank you Sue, I went back and looked at my bottle and it was actually 5mg. I couldn't edit my original post once I looked at the bottle.

@sepdvm I also was going to mention stress. I think some of us if not most of us probably suffer from PTSD but don’t even realize it!🤷‍♂️
Jody

@sepdvm
I followed a series of neck and jaw exercises during and after radiation treatment that has helped with flexibility and strength in the neck and head area.
Stanford University has a list of the exercises (I will look to see if I can find them online).