Sleep-Wake Disturbances in Patients With Cancer

In bedrooms across the United States, people are crawling into bed, turning down the lights, and lying awake for hours on end. Sleep-wake disturbances and short sleep duration are extremely common, and rates are even higher in patients with cancer.

Unfortunately, screening, assessment, and interventions are lacking for patients experiencing sleep-wake disturbances during their cancer journey. The ill effects associated with sleep-wake disturbances can lead to negative consequences and potentially worse quality of life for patients with cancer. Oncology nurses can be a vital voice for their patients by educating, providing resources, and starting the conversation on the impact of sleep-wake disturbances in cancer care.