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Observational Study
. 2024 Nov 9;31(11):7000-7013.
doi: 10.3390/curroncol31110515.

Sleep Quality in Head and Neck Cancer

Giancarlo Pecorari  1 , Simone Moglio  1 , Dario Gamba  1 , Marco Briguglio  1 , Ester Cravero  1 , Eugenio Sportoletti Baduel  1 , Giuseppe Riva  1
Affiliations
Observational Study

Sleep Quality in Head and Neck Cancer

Giancarlo Pecorari et al. Curr Oncol. .

Abstract

Background: Patients with head and neck cancer often experience impaired sleep. Moreover, the treatment may negatively affect sleep quality. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the sleep quality after treatment for head and neck cancer, and its relationship with quality of life and psychological distress.

Methods: A total of 151 patients who underwent treatment for head and neck cancer at our department were included in the study. Quality of life, sleep quality, risk of sleep apnea, sleepiness, pain, and psychological distress were assessed by means of specific questionnaires.

Results: The median follow-up was 30 months. Poor sleep quality was observed in 55.6% of the cases. An association between PSQI global sleep quality and EORTC global health status was found. The DT, HADS anxiety, and HADS depression scores were associated to PSQI global score, sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction.

Conclusions: Sleep disturbances, particularly OSA and insomnia, are frequent in HNC patients, and significantly impact their quality of life and psychological well-being. Given the effect of sleep on overall well-being, addressing sleep disorders should be a priority in the care of HNC patients.

Keywords: apnea; head and neck cancer; insomnia; quality of life; sleep; sleep quality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
EORTC Global health status in subjects with good and poor sleep quality (p = 0.041).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Correlation between PSQI global score and EORTC Global health status (p < 0.001).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Correlation between PSQI global score and VAS for pain (p = 0.036).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Psychological distress in subjects with good and poor sleep quality: (a) DT (p < 0.05), (b) HADS anxiety (p < 0.05), (c) HADS depression (p < 0.05).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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