Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025
05:59
Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System
Published on: October 20, 2023
2.7K
Sleep-Wake Disturbances in Oncology
Kristi A Acker1, Patricia Carter2
1Capstone College of Nursing, University of Alabama, Office 3029, Box 870358, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA.
The Nursing Clinics of North America
|May 23, 2021
Summary
Sleep disturbances are frequent in cancer patients, often overlooked and undertreated. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving quality of life and cancer survivorship.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychosocial Oncology
Background:
- Sleep-wake disturbances are highly prevalent in cancer patients.
- There is a significant gap in the consistent assessment and treatment of sleep disorders in oncology settings.
- Unaddressed sleep issues can lead to chronic insomnia, negatively impacting quality of life and survivorship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and impact of sleep-wake disturbances in cancer care.
- To emphasize the need for consistent assessment and management of sleep disorders.
- To underscore the complexity of managing sleep disorders due to symptom clustering.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on sleep disturbances in oncology.
- Analysis of the impact of sleep-wake disturbances on patient outcomes.
- Discussion of the interplay between sleep disorders and other cancer-related symptoms.
Main Results:
- Sleep-wake disturbances are underrecognized and undertreated in cancer patients.
- These disturbances often co-occur with anxiety, depression, and fatigue, complicating management.
- Failure to address sleep issues contributes to chronic insomnia and reduced quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Consistent assessment and aggressive management of sleep-wake disturbances are essential in oncology.
- Addressing sleep disorders is critical for improving patient quality of life and cancer survivorship.
- Integrated management strategies are needed to address the complex symptom burden associated with sleep disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
2.0K
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:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
2.0K
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
635
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...
RBD is significantly associated with...
635
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
255
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,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
255
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
310
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
310
01:07Narcolepsy
265
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.
265
01:27Insomnia
215
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
215