Sleep-related challenges and family functioning in children and adolescents previously treated for craniopharyngioma

We investigated sleep-related challenges and their association with family functioning in children and adolescents previously treated for craniopharyngioma.

Quantitative approach using psychometrically validated measures.

Thirty-nine children and adolescents who had been treated for craniopharyngioma and their primary caregivers.

Caregivers and youth completed measures of family functioning, family routines, daytime sleepiness, and children's sleep patterns.

Children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma had significantly higher ratings of self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness, bedtime fears/worries, and restless legs symptoms compared to their relatively healthy peers. Lack of family routines and poor family functioning were related to poor sleep-related outcomes and increased excessive daytime sleepiness.

Providers should consider assessing sleep difficulties in pediatric brain tumor survivors from a family systems perspective. Intervening on family-related factors may help improve sleep and other health-related outcomes, whereas intervening on sleep may help improve family functioning.