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Sleep alterations in cancer patients
C A Engstrom1, R A Strohl, L Rose
1Veteran's Administration, Medical Health Care System, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Cancer Nursing
|April 27, 1999
Summary
Nearly half of breast and lung cancer patients experience sleep problems, often linked to cancer treatment and symptoms. Few patients discuss these sleep disturbances with healthcare providers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychosocial Oncology
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are common in cancer patients.
- Understanding sleep alterations is crucial for improving patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep alterations in patients with breast and lung cancer.
- To explore the type, frequency, severity, and perceived causes of sleep problems.
- To examine patient coping mechanisms and communication with healthcare providers regarding sleep issues.
Main Methods:
- Phase 1: 82-item telephone survey with 150 cancer patients.
- Phase 2: Qualitative telephone interviews with 42 cancer patients.
- Statistical analysis of survey data and content analysis of interview responses.
Main Results:
- 44% of patients reported sleep problems in Phase 1; 45% in Phase 2.
- Sleep problems correlated with prediagnosis issues, sleep medication use, age, and problem severity.
- Qualitative data indicated sleep issues are linked to cancer symptoms and treatment perceptions.
Conclusions:
- Sleep disturbances are prevalent in breast and lung cancer patients.
- Patient-reported sleep problems are associated with various factors, including cancer experience.
- Further research is needed to improve patient-provider communication and coping strategies for sleep issues.