Sleep disturbance in palliative care in adults (Guidelines)

TAM (Treatments and Medicines) NHS Highland
NHS Highland

Audience

  • Highland HSCP
  • Primary and Secondary Care 
  • Adults only

Pathway

Review medication

Review medication

  • alcohol/nicotine - reduce/stop where possible
  • caffeine avoid taking after lunchtime (half-life approx. 5-6 hours)

Prescribed medication interrupting night-time sleep

  • diuretics – taken after midday
  • steroids – taken after midday
  • sedative/hypnotic withdrawal
  • opioid side-effects
  • theophylline, methylphenidate, beta-blockers etc.

Medication causing daytime drowsiness

  • night-time sedation
  • sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic drugs including opioids
  • antihistamines
  • over the counter cold and flu medications containing certain decongestants 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 08/09/2023

Next review date: 30/09/2026

Author(s): Cancer Services .

Approved By: Approved TAMSG of the ATDC

Reviewer name(s): Lucy Dixon, Jeremy Keen, Gordon Linklater .

Document Id: TAM344

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Further information for Health Care Professionals

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References

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Self-management information