Sleep disorders in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: a case-control study

Thyroid cancer survivors are prone to sleep disorders. This study aims to compare the differences of sleep quality between patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and healthy controls, as well as to investigate the risk factors for sleep disorders in DTC survivors.

A case-control study was conducted. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to assess sleep quality, the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) to evaluate anxiety, and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) to measure depression. Chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney tests were employed to identify differences between DTC patients and healthy controls. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the independent risk factors for sleep disorders in DTC patients.

A total of 318 DTC patients and 72 healthy controls were included. Sleep disorders were prevalent, affecting 50.3% of DTC patients compared to 34.7% of healthy controls, with a significant difference noted (P = 0.017). Notable disparities were observed in sleep disturbances (P = 0.031) and daytime dysfunction (P = 0.019). Furthermore, employment status (P = 0.026), anxiety (P < 0.001), and depression (P = 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of sleep disorders in DTC patients.

DTC patients are susceptible to sleep disorders, the prevalence was as high as 50.3%. Clinicians should be vigilant in identifying DTC patients who are unemployed or experiencing anxiety or depression, as these factors significantly influence sleep quality. Clinicians should offer these patients appropriate support and interventions, such as disease information support and multidisciplinary consultations, to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.