MyMyelomaTeam

Yes, insomnia and sleep difficulties are very common with myeloma. People with myeloma are actually twice as likely to experience sleep problems compared to the general population, with some studies suggesting up to 75% of people face sleep disturbances. There are several reasons why myeloma can disrupt sleep, including:

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Yes, insomnia and sleep difficulties are very common with myeloma. People with myeloma are actually twice as likely to experience sleep problems compared to the general population, with some studies suggesting up to 75% of people face sleep disturbances. There are several reasons why myeloma can disrupt sleep, including:

- Bone and nerve pain — back, hip, and chest pain, plus neuropathy (tingling, numbness, burning sensations), can be worse at night
- Extreme fatigue — myeloma-related exhaustion is different from regular tiredness and doesn't go away with rest
- Anemia — very common in myeloma and can cause dizziness and low energy
- Steroids — medications like dexamethasone are known to cause hyperactivity and insomnia, especially if taken later in the day
- Anxiety and depression — the emotional weight of a myeloma diagnosis can seriously disrupt sleep
- Hot flashes and night sweats — these can be triggered by treatments and make it hard to stay comfortable at night One MyMyelomaTeam member shared a helpful tip about steroids: "Always take steroids in the morning, or you can forget about sleeping at night!"

It's worth talking to your oncologist about what's specifically disrupting your sleep — there are lifestyle adjustments and treatment options that can help.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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