The sleep disorders most likely to affect patients with cancer are insomnias and disorders of the sleep-wake cycle. Effects of tumor growth and cancer treatment that may cause sleep disturbances include:

• Anxiety or depression.
• Pain or itching.
• Fever, cough, or trouble breathing.
• Fatigue.
• Seizures.
• Headaches.
• Night sweats or hot flashes. (See the PDQ summary on Fever, Sweats, and Hot Flashes for more information).
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or incontinence.

For more information on managing symptoms and side effects, see PDQ Cancer Information Summaries: Supportive and Palliative Care.

Patients may have sleep interruptions due to treatment schedules, hospital routines, and roommates. Other factors affecting sleep during a hospital stay include noise, temperature, pain, anxiety, and the patient's age. Chronic sleep disturbances can cause irritability, inability to concentrate, depression, and anxiety. While in the hospital, sleep disorders may make it hard for the patient to continue with cancer therapy.

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