Management of sleep problems in cancer patients

Sleep disturbances are common in cancer patients, but there are few specific data on their prevalence. Among other things, sleep problems may be a symptom of the cancer itself, part of a stress reaction to having cancer, a sequela to some other cancer symptom such as pain, or a side effect of cancer treatment. Insomnia is the more common sleep problem, although hypersomnia also occurs. Most insomnias are related either to pain or to psychophysiologic factors. Treatment should start with identification of a specific cause of sleeplessness; after that, behavioral interventions, medication, or psychotherapy may be helpful. When using medications, keep in mind possible complications, such as daytime sedation, tolerance, and rebound insomnia.