Related Experiment Videos
Insomnia in Breast Cancer: A Neglected Symptom Cluster.
Giuseppe Marano1,2, Ida Paris3, Gianandrea Traversi4
1Department of Neuroscience, Head-Neck and Chest, Section of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Insomnia is common in breast cancer patients, affecting sleep and quality of life. It
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Sleep Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Insomnia is a prevalent, persistent symptom in breast cancer patients, often under-recognized and undertreated.
- It's a multidimensional condition linked to cancer stress and psychiatric issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- Provide a comprehensive overview of insomnia in breast cancer.
- Focus on epidemiology, pathophysiology, neuropsychiatric correlates, and clinical implications.
- Identify research and management gaps.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a narrative literature review.
- Searched major medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) up to 2025.
- Synthesized articles on insomnia, sleep, psychiatric symptoms, and neurobiology in breast cancer.
Main Results:
- Insomnia affects many breast cancer patients throughout their journey.
- Multifactorial causes include HPA axis dysregulation, inflammation, circadian issues, and treatments.
- Frequently co-occurs with depression, anxiety, fatigue, and pain, impacting quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Insomnia in breast cancer is a neuropsychiatric condition within a stress network.
- Improved screening, interdisciplinary management, and CBT-I are crucial.
- Future research needs personalized, mechanistic approaches.
Related Concept Videos
Insomnia
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...
Management of Insomnia
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
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,...
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...