Progressive Muscle Relaxation Can Help Mesothelioma Patients Sleep Better
Health & Wellness
Written by Dana Nolan | Edited by Amy Edel
Recent studies report a positive impact of progressive muscle relaxation for cancer patients experiencing sleep problems. The results indicate practicing progressive muscle relaxation helps reduce sleep issues after surgery and while receiving chemotherapy.
Having personally worked as a therapist with people diagnosed with mesothelioma and other cancers for more than 30 years, I’ve heard from clients many times over the years that they struggle with sleep during and after cancer treatment. As a moderator, I also hear sleep difficulties frequently discussed in our monthly Mesothelioma Support Group.
Most mesothelioma patients struggle with sleep problems for a variety of reasons. The potential for progressive muscle relaxation to be very helpful in achieving better quality sleep for cancer patients is welcome news. It may take some experimenting with different types of relaxation styles to help you, but the right approach is different for each person.
Prevalence of Sleep Problems Among Mesothelioma Patients
Cancer patients, including those with mesothelioma, are 3 times more likely to experience disturbed sleep than the general population. Getting enough good quality sleep is important to everyone but is especially important for people with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Our cells repair themselves and our immune system works while we sleep. Recovering from both mesothelioma surgery and systemic treatments like chemotherapy requires adequate sleep.
Why Mesothelioma Patients Experience Sleep Problems
There are various reasons why mesothelioma patients may experience sleep disturbance. Anxiety and depression are common in mesothelioma patients and both are known to negatively affect sleep. Pain or discomfort can also make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
Side effects of medications, including steroids, may interfere with sleep. Symptoms such as shortness of breath or a persistent cough may become more noticeable when lying down, making it harder to rest comfortably. Changes to daily routines, frequent medical appointments and the stress of living with cancer can also contribute to poor sleep quality.
What Is Progressive Muscle Relaxation?
Progressive muscle relaxation, also called Jacobson relaxation, involves tensing and then relaxing muscle groups throughout the body as well as raising awareness of muscular tension in the body. It was developed in the 1920s as a non-medicinal strategy to reduce anxiety and blood pressure and improve sleep quality.
In order to practice progressive muscle relaxation, you’ll need to recline or lie down so your body is fully supported. During the relaxation exercise you’re encouraged to focus on certain muscles in your body and to alternately tense and then relax each muscle group.
Relaxation exercises can be taught in-person, either individually or in a group setting. I have taught many of my clients relaxation techniques during our psychotherapy sessions to help them with sleep and relaxation. Some comprehensive mesothelioma treatment centers offer relaxation groups to their patients and caregivers.
Many people like to practice progressive muscle relaxation at home while they listen to a recording of a muscle relaxation exercise. Ask your health care team if they can recommend a guided exercise that may be a good fit for you. Some resources are designed specifically for cancer patients or focus on relaxation techniques that may help with sleep.
