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Sleep Quality in Head and Neck Cancer
Giancarlo Pecorari1, Simone Moglio1, Dario Gamba1
1Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Via Genova 3, 10126 Turin, Italy.
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|November 26, 2024
Summary
Head and neck cancer patients frequently experience poor sleep quality, impacting their quality of life and psychological well-being. Addressing sleep disturbances is crucial for improving overall patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients often suffer from sleep impairment.
- Cancer treatments can further exacerbate poor sleep quality.
- Understanding post-treatment sleep is vital for patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess sleep quality in patients after head and neck cancer treatment.
- To investigate the relationship between sleep quality, quality of life, and psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- Observational study including 151 HNC patients.
- Utilized validated questionnaires for quality of life, sleep quality, sleep apnea risk, sleepiness, pain, and psychological distress.
Main Results:
- 55.6% of patients reported poor sleep quality.
- Significant associations found between sleep quality metrics and quality of life (EORTC global health status).
- Psychological distress scores (HADS anxiety/depression) correlated with sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Sleep disturbances, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia, are prevalent in HNC survivors.
- Poor sleep quality significantly diminishes quality of life and psychological well-being.
- Prioritizing the management of sleep disorders is essential for comprehensive HNC patient care.
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