Actigraphy and Sleep Diary Measurements in Breast Cancer Survivors: Discrepancy in Selected Sleep Parameters

This analysis examined the discrepancy between sleep diary and actigraphy measurements in breast cancer survivors (BCS) with insomnia. BCS from communities in Western U.S. provided demographic/medical information, insomnia, mood, and fatigue data at baseline. Averaged over 5 weeks, actigraphy measured 55.75 minutes (SD = 112.42) less total sleep time (TST), and 85.19 minutes (SD = 81.36) more wake after sleep onset (WASO) than diaries. Some women showed agreement between measures; others were more variable. There were no significant relationships between TST and WASO discrepancy and participant characteristics. There may be sleep differences in BCS that results in greater perceived TST and less WASO reported in diaries. Measurements discrepancy is a significant concern needing further evaluation of medical populations with insomnia.