Pancreatic cancer and the journey through treatment can take a toll on the body and mind. While rest is a key part of healing, many people who are battling pancreatic cancer struggle to get the quality sleep they need. The pain, anxiety, and medications involved in treatment often make restful sleep feel out of reach.
But there’s good news: support is out there. Project Purple is stepping in to help patients rest more easily by including high-tech, quality sleep masks in a select number of their care packs to promote better sleep and brighter days for patients.
Why Pancreatic Cancer Patients Can Have Trouble Sleeping
Sleep is essential for everyone. Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, but that’s often easier said than done, especially for people battling cancer.
For many cancer patients, both physical and emotional challenges interfere with sleep. Mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and racing thoughts through such a difficult time can keep patients up at night. Physical pain, whether from surgery, the cancer itself, or side effects from treatment, also plays a significant role in missing out on a good night’s rest.
Even medications meant to support healing can unintentionally make sleep more difficult. Certain antidepressants, hormone therapies, and supplements that contain caffeine can all cause restlessness or insomnia.
Why Proper Sleep Matters
While avoiding pain and side effects is extremely difficult, addressing sleep is vital. Sleep is when the body repairs itself, especially important during and after chemotherapy, which can cause damage to healthy tissue. Sleep also plays a major role in producing red and white blood cells. Red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body, while white blood cells help fight off infections, both of which are essential for a strong recovery.
Pancreatic cancer patients face unique hurdles to good sleep. The Whipple procedure, a highly invasive surgery for pancreatic cancer, has a long and often uncomfortable recovery process. Additionally, since pancreatic cancer is frequently diagnosed in later stages, many patients deal with more intense symptoms that make sleeping soundly even harder.
You Are Not Alone
Struggling with sleep is incredibly common. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), “About 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders, and 1 in 3 adults do not regularly get the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep they need to protect their health.”
And, for those facing insomnia, the numbers are staggering. Around 30 million people, or 12 percent of Americans, suffer from chronic insomnia, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).
The good news? You’re not alone, and help is available. One simple, yet effective tool can help improve sleep: a high-quality sleep mask.
How Sleep Masks Help
Light exposure from the outside environment can make it harder to fall asleep and may have long-term health consequences. Studies show that external light during sleep is associated with increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes and insulin resistance.
High-quality sleep masks help by creating a controlled sleep environment, supporting relaxation and improving overall sleep quality.
Project Purple Is Here To Help… with Sleep Masks!
To help pancreatic cancer patients get the rest they need, Project Purple has partnered with Sound Oasis to provide high-tech sleep masks to pancreatic cancer survivors and caregivers, ensuring everyone can experience the benefits of restful, restorative sleep.
Sound Oasis has been a leader in sleep and sound therapy products since 1993. The company focuses on delivering a superior sleep experience by combining cutting-edge patented technology, high-quality sounds, and collaborations with leading sleep and sound therapy musicians and medical experts.
With their gracious support, Project Purple was able to provide mask samples at our recent Survivor Summit in Newport, offering two types: the Glo to Sleep Advanced Sleep Therapy Mask for survivors and the GTS-1000 Sleep Therapy Mask for ambassadors.
These innovative masks block out all external light and feature built-in light therapy to create a calming environment that supports restorative sleep. Made with hypoallergenic materials and fully adjustable straps, they offer a comfortable, pressure-free fit that promotes both physical healing and mental relaxation.
Both models include Glo light therapy, which gently guides the user’s gaze and helps promote relaxation. The Advanced mask also offers customizable settings, such as color, timer, and brightness, for a more personalized sleep experience.
These masks have also been included in a select number of our Project Purple care packs while supplies last.
Its inclusion in our care packages will help to improve the sleep and quality of life of a pancreatic cancer patient. They also include:
- A Blanket of Hope to help bring warmth and comfort to patients during treatment.
- Helpful information on how to apply for our Patient Financial Aid Program, which supports patients facing financial hardship during their pancreatic cancer journey.
With every sleep mask distributed, Project Purple, in partnership with Sound Oasis, is helping pancreatic cancer patients achieve the restorative rest they need to support healing and enhance their quality of life.
*Not all Project Purple Blanket of Hope care packs will contain a sleep mask.*
Want to Purchase a Sleep Mask?
Not part of the Patient Financial Aid program? No problem! Anyone can purchase these masks directly, which you can do so by clicking here.
Using the code PURPLE at checkout, purchasers receive:
- 10% off
- Free continental U.S. shipping
- A contribution of 20% of the retail price to Project Purple, helping fund pancreatic cancer research and patient support
By purchasing a mask, you’re not only improving your own sleep; you’re joining the Project Purple community and helping support pancreatic cancer patients on their journey.
Help Us Support More Patients
Project Purple is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting pancreatic cancer patients through research, advocacy, and patient aid. Thanks to our generous donors, we’re able to continue sending care packs, offer financial assistance, and bring comfort to those who need it most. To support these programs:
- Donate to Project Purple at projectpurple.org.
- Organizations interested in donating products can contact us here.
