Why Do Our Cancer Patients Sleep So Badly? Sleep Disorders in Cancer Patients: A Frequent Symptom with Multiple Causes.

Introduction: On the one hand, sleep disorders in cancer patients are reported in 30-50% of cancer patients. On the other hand, specific causes for these sleep disorders are little known. This study was done to evaluate factors which may affect sleep of cancer patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study which includes return to work as one factor of sleep disturbance.

Methods: 107 patients with various types of cancer treated in 2 hospitals were interviewed with a battery of questionnaires after having given informed consent. The questionnaires intended to detect abnormalities of sleep and related pain, breathing disorders, restless legs syndrome, depression, rumination, medication, and psychosocial distress. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Marburg.

Results: The analysis of the 6 sleep-related questionnaires indicated a sleep disorder of any kind in 68% of all patients. Insomnia symptoms were present in 48 patients (44.9%). Pain, depression, anxiety, and worries about the workplace were significantly related to sleep disorders.

Conclusion: Sleep disorders are common in cancer patients. The causes are manifold and should be considered by caregivers during diagnosis, therapy, and aftercare of cancer patients. Tumour patients should actively be asked about sleep disorders. If these are present, they should be addressed, and as they have a large impact on quality of life, treatment options should be offered in cooperation with sleep specialists.