Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
08:56

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue

Published on: May 17, 2018

9.5K

Sleep-wake rhythm disruption is associated with cancer-related fatigue in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Lindsay M H Steur1, Gertjan J L Kaspers1,2,3, Eus J W Van Someren4,5,6

  • 1Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Sleep
|January 1, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients exhibit disrupted sleep-wake rhythms, which are linked to increased cancer-related fatigue. Improving sleep may help alleviate fatigue in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Chronobiology

Background:

  • Cancer-related fatigue is a significant issue in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
  • Sleep-wake rhythms and melatonin levels may be altered in these patients, potentially contributing to fatigue.
  • Understanding these disruptions is crucial for developing effective supportive care strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare sleep-wake rhythms and melatonin levels in pediatric ALL patients versus healthy children.
  • To assess cancer-related fatigue in pediatric ALL patients.
  • To determine the association between sleep-wake outcomes and cancer-related fatigue in pediatric ALL.

Main Methods:

  • A national cohort of pediatric ALL patients (2-18 years) was studied.
  • Sleep-wake rhythms were measured using actigraphy, assessing interdaily stability (IS), intradaily variability (IV), L5 and M10 counts, and relative amplitude (RA).
  • Melatonin metabolite (aMT6s) and cancer-related fatigue (PedsQL) were assessed; regression models were used for comparisons and associations.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric ALL patients showed significantly lower IS, RA, and M10 counts compared to healthy children.
  • Melatonin metabolite (aMT6s) levels were comparable between ALL patients and healthy children.
  • ALL patients reported higher cancer-related fatigue, with lower IS, RA, M10 counts, and higher IV associated with increased parent-reported fatigue.

Conclusions:

  • Impaired sleep-wake rhythms are associated with increased cancer-related fatigue in pediatric ALL patients.
  • These findings suggest that interventions targeting sleep hygiene and physical activity could potentially reduce cancer-related fatigue.
  • Further research into sleep interventions is warranted for this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
actigraphyacute lymphoblastic leukemiacancer-related fatiguechildren sleep–wake rhythmsphysical activity

More Related Videos

Murine Model of Leukemia Relapse to Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia08:31

Murine Model of Leukemia Relapse to Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Published on: October 17, 2025

493
Comprehensive Protocol to Sample and Process Bone Marrow for Measuring Measurable Residual Disease and Leukemic Stem Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia09:57

Comprehensive Protocol to Sample and Process Bone Marrow for Measuring Measurable Residual Disease and Leukemic Stem Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Published on: March 5, 2018

30.3K

Related Concept Videos

Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
2.6K
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
1.2K
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors01:27

Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
432
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
432
Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
373
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
342