Sleep disturbance in family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer

Abstract

Sleep is a complex process known to be essential for health, well-being, and optimal physical and psychological functioning. Therefore, sleep disturbance may lead to serious consequences. Advanced cancer patients are known to experience a complex constellation of symptoms requiring round-the-clock care. This reality, coupled with the current demographic, social, economic and health policy trends which are shifting palliative care from the hospital to the community setting, will see family members increasingly assuming responsibility for the provision of this care at home. Despite the positive aspects of caregiving, studies report that families experience stress and exhaustion. Given that patient and family constitute the unit of care in palliative care, this area warrants our attention. This article reviews the literature related to family caregivers' disturbed sleep while caring for someone with advanced cancer. What is known and directions for future research will be addressed.