Femara and Insomnia (Cont.)

Suggestions for Femara and Insomnia

If you are having difficulty sleeping while taking Femara, there are some things that you can try. Some tips for better sleep include:
 
  • Keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.

 

  • Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.

 

  • Avoiding exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime, however, may help you sleep more soundly.

 

  • Avoiding large meals within two hours of bedtime.

 

  • Napping no later than 3 p.m.

 

  • Sleeping in a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature.

 

  • Doing a quite activity somewhere else if you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes. Return to bed when you're sleepy.

 

  • Winding down in the 30 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as a warm bath, soft music, or reading.
     
(Click Good Sleep Habits for more suggestions.)
 

Final Thoughts on Femara and Insomnia

Remember that it is impossible for your healthcare provider to know if you will develop insomnia while taking Femara. Also, in some cases, if a person does develop insomnia, it is difficult to know whether these problems are because of the drug or other factors.
 
If you are taking Femara and insomnia becomes a problem, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to recommend other treatments, including insomnia medications, adjusting the Femara dosage, or trying a different breast cancer treatment.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;