Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: April 26, 2024
Factors associated with fatigue, sleep, and cognitive function among patients with head and neck cancer
Laura Q Rogers1, Kerry S Courneya, K Thomas Robbins
1Department of Medicine, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA. lrogers@siumed.edu
Background:
Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment are prevalent and clinically important problems among head and neck cancer patients. Our study aim was to determine the most important correlates of these problems among patients with head and neck cancer.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was completed by 58 (response rate 79%) patients with head and neck cancer in an academic oncology clinic.
Results:
Multiple linear-regression analyses demonstrated that fatigue was associated with younger age (beta=-0.22), previous radiation therapy (beta=0.23), fewer months since cancer diagnosis (beta=-0.25), and depression (beta=0.40). Sleep dysfunction was associated with younger age (beta=-0.31) and higher symptom index (beta=0.39). Cognitive dysfunction was associated with higher symptom index only (beta=-0.49).
Conclusions:
Younger age, previous radiation, more recent cancer diagnosis, depression, and more severe symptoms may be associated with fatigue, sleep, and/or cognitive dysfunction. These results suggest at-risk subgroups warranting more aggressive screening and potentially supportive care interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Fatigue

