Evaluation of sleep disturbances in pediatric cancer patients and sleep quality in their caregivers

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among children worldwide. Both the disease itself and its treatment contribute to significant sleep-related issues. Pediatric cancer patients and survivors commonly experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, prolonged sleep latency, reduced sleep duration, and poor overall sleep quality. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of sleep disturbances in pediatric cancer patients and to compare these findings with those observed in children with non-oncologic conditions managed by the same pediatric oncology clinic. A secondary aim was to evaluate whether sleep disturbances in children affect the sleep quality of their caregivers. The study included 210 children aged 6 to 16 years and their caregivers. Diagnoses included lymphoma, solid tumors, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, neurofibromatosis, lymphadenopathy, and hemangioma. All participants were followed in our outpatient clinic between January 2 and May 25, 2023. Caregivers completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess their own sleep quality and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) to evaluate their child's sleep patterns. The mean SDSC total score was 40.8 ± 8.1, indicating a high prevalence of sleep disturbances among children with cancer, particularly difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep. The mean caregiver PSQI score was 5.02 ± 3.56. A moderate, statistically significant correlation was found between children's SDSC scores and their caregivers' PSQI scores (<i>r</i> = 0.433, <i>p</i> < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of routine sleep assessments in pediatric oncology. Early recognition and management of sleep disturbances may enhance treatment adherence, improve therapeutic outcomes, and increase the overall quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.