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Cancer treatment can be exhausting and physically depleting. You should be getting an adequate amount of sleep as you undergo treatment, but for many people with blood cancer, sleep doesn't come easily. This can be a result of medication, anxiety, or depression.

Learn more about how blood cancer treatment may affect mental health.

These suggestions may help improve sleep quality:

  • Relax before bedtime by taking a warm bath or shower, meditating, or listening to calming music
  • Go to bed at the same time every night
  • Use the bedroom for sleep only and keep the room cool, quiet, and dark
  • Use comfortable bedding and sleepwear
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and stimulation before bedtime
  • Forgo long daytime naps that can interfere with nighttime sleep
  • Consider complementary or alternative therapy to help you sleep, such as guided imagery, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation exercises
  • If your sleep disturbances persist, talk with your doctor 

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Young blood cancer survivor wearing a white "Survivor" T-shirt and standing barefoot on a wooden fence in a grassy outdoor setting. The image highlights childhood blood cancer survivorship, resilience, hope, and life after leukemia, lymphoma, or other blood cancer treatment.

Karissa

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Professional headshot of a blood cancer survivor wearing a navy suit and striped tie, standing outdoors in front of a blurred greenery background. The image highlights blood cancer survivorship, patient advocacy, professional achievement, and life after leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma treatment.

Halley

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A group of friends stands together on a red carpet at a Light The Night event, holding glowing lanterns and signs supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The warm lights and close embraces create a powerful sense of unity, love, and hope—reflecting the strength and solidarity shared by those honoring and supporting people whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Olivia

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Photo of Jan, Lymphoma survivor

Jan

Lymphoma

zeke-j_dam_file_161236.jpg

Zeke

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Brianna, close up and smiling, young adult survivor of childhood cancer

Brianna

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Adult and young child take a close-up selfie indoors, both wearing event shirts and a lanyard badge, representing family support and connection within the blood cancer community and childhood blood cancer awareness.

Stacey

acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Copilot said: Child seated on a hospital bed wears a pink head wrap and nasal feeding tube, holding a craft activity with colorful sand art in a clinical setting—highlighting strength, pediatric care, and resilience within the blood cancer community and childhood blood cancer support.

Kelly

Family member and caregiver

Copilot said: Close-up selfie of an older adult wearing glasses and a navy shirt with an “I Voted” sticker, seated in a car, highlighting everyday resilience and community engagement within the blood cancer community and survivorship journey.

Fred

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

A young person sits outdoors at a table, wearing a white graphic T‑shirt and a light-colored cap with a colorful design. The bright, casual setting creates a warm, reflective mood. This image could be used in memory of someone whose life was touched by blood cancer, honoring their spirit with love and remembrance.

Daniel

Family member

A young child celebrating the end of blood cancer treatment stands indoors ringing a brass “Ringing Out” bell mounted on a plaque. The child smiles with eyes closed, surrounded by red‑and‑white decorations and signs. They wear a black shirt that reads “My Last Day of Chemo — It Was Tough but I Was Tougher,” symbolizing strength, remission, and completion of chemotherapy

Loxley

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Heriberto, Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patient, with wife on his wedding day

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.