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Sleep disturbances in brain tumors: a narrative review

  • 0Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
Frontiers in Oncology +

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October 13, 2025

|

October 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Brain tumor patients often experience sleep disturbances that worsen their quality of life and prognosis. This review highlights the need for targeted research and interventions for sleep issues in neuro-oncology.

Area Of Science

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Oncology

Background

  • Brain tumor patients face significant sleep disturbances impacting daily function, quality of life, and prognosis.
  • A complex relationship exists between sleep disorders and brain tumors, influenced by neurotransmitter imbalances, treatments, and comorbidities.
  • Existing cancer sleep guidelines lack specificity for neuro-oncology populations.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To review current research on sleep disturbances in patients with brain tumors.
  • To highlight the need for targeted research and therapeutic strategies for sleep issues in neuro-oncology.

Main Methods

  • A narrative review of existing literature on sleep in brain tumor patients was conducted.

Main Results

  • Sleep disturbances are common and multifactorial in brain tumor patients.
  • There is a significant gap in specific guidelines and research for sleep in this population.
  • Poor sleep negatively affects patient outcomes and quality of life.

Conclusions

  • There is an urgent need for systematic characterization of sleep disturbances in brain tumor patients.
  • Developing targeted sleep interventions is crucial for improving outcomes in neuro-oncology.
  • Further research is required to address the unique sleep challenges faced by individuals with brain tumors.

Keywords:

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