Medical and psychosocial correlates of insomnia symptoms in adult survivors of pediatric brain tumors

Abstract

Objective Children diagnosed with brain tumors are at risk for insomnia. We evaluated insomnia symptoms, medical and psychosocial correlates, and medical documentation of sleep-related issues in a neuro-oncology clinic. Methods 98 adult survivors of pediatric brain tumors provided data about sleep, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life. Medical records were reviewed for treatment-related information and for documentation of sleep-related issues. Results 26% of the sample reported insomnia symptoms as evidenced by poor sleep efficiency. Insomnia symptoms were associated with a migraine headache history, but not with other medical or psychosocial outcomes. Approximately one in three medical providers did not document discussing sleep during the survivorship visit. Conclusions A sizeable number of pediatric brain tumor survivors experience insomnia symptoms. The survivorship visit is an ideal opportunity for providers to conduct a sleep evaluation for this at-risk population and to provide referrals for evidence-based insomnia treatment.