Sleep Disorders in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer have lead to increasing numbers of women that are surviving the disease, however the symptomatic burden of treatment is significant. Sleep disturbance is a frequently reported problem during treatment and follow up; nevertheless, it is not routinely screened for nor pro-actively managed. Patients may develop or have exacerbation of pre-existing sleep disorders induced by multiple factors including psychological issues, direct chemotherapy effect as well as estrogen deprivation related to treatment. Sleep disturbance is often associated with other cancer or treatment related symptoms, such as fatigue and mood disorders. Due to many factors precipitating and exacerbating sleep related problems in patients with breast cancer, the most effective treatments tackle both physical and psychological symptoms.