Insomnia after Neck Radiation

Stanford University
https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/ohns/documents/Health%20Care/head-neck-surgery/rehabilitation/Pre%20Radiation%20Swallowing%20Exercise%20Packet%20English%20Website%202024.pdf

@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.

@albion223 Thank you for the in-depth explanation. I will look into the Coconut Oil and try to find the Stanford speech. Is there brand or type of Coconut oil you use?

@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.

Hubs and I tried lots of sleep remedies both Rx and OTC. We are doing great now on Magnesium Glycinate. He's a CPAP user and I'm 2 years out from tongue and lymph node cancer. If we wake during,the night we take it again. Restful sleep and wake up refreshed.

@harleytiger
Coconut oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth to potentially improve oral hygiene… Reduces Harmful Bacteria: Studies have found that oil pulling with coconut oil can significantly reduce the count of Streptococcus mutans, a primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay and plaque buildup & Moisturizes Gums: The fatty acids in the oil can help moisturize the gums and prevent dryness. I use a tablespoon of liquid coconut oil at bedtime (swishing it in my mouth before spitting it out..very important to spit,not swallow)
Studies have shown that acupuncture done after radiation therapy can be effective in reducing dry mouth by stimulating the salivary glands in your mouth. Stanford University speech and language has a webpage on acupuncture therapy that you can Google.
I’ve just started acupuncture treatments (2x) and do notice a slight improvement in my saliva as well as my hands and feet not feeling so cold since I started.

@sandy8043 I'll have to google what that is?

Hi @albion223,

I had 35 rounds (7weeks) of Photon radiation for a total of 70Gy and 3 rounds (211mg each) for a total of 633 mgs of Cisplatin chemo for tonsil cancer back in 2008 but no surgery. To help with the brutal dry mouth and after my research I tried ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ACUPUNCTURE in 2015 which ironically was just being offered at my cancer clinic for head & neck cancer patients. I was tested to get a baseline and retested after 8-10 appts. and had great results. Never needed to go back and has been a non-issue even with only one working salivatory gland, and I don't have to carry a water bottle with me either to this very day. Since then, I believe there are other additional avenues like sprays to help with that. I also slept with a Humidifier on my end table to make sure there was the most moisture possible in my bedroom to help with sleep.

I got this from my other cancer group SPOHNC and it mentioned AQUAx2 which is a clinical research study for people with moderate/ severe dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by radiation therapy purpose is to assess the efficacy and safety of "gene transfer" study drug called AAV2-hAQP1.

In addition, I didn't have this available to me but others on this support group site have mentioned “Xylimelts Stick-On Melts” you can buy off Amazon and the box of 40 was less that 10 bucks. People say they really work, and they sleep through the night. And their daytime dryness is much better also. You should research using for extended period of time effects. Also, Biotene spray is effective long time after 2 or 3 sprays! And more recently there is a Aquoral Protective Oral Spray- Dry Mouth Relief which is more than temporary relief of dry mouth. Or a prescription of Cevimeline.

Good luck on the journey.