Did Cancer Kill My Sleep?

A two-time breast cancer survivor is troubled by worry of her cancer returning; along with poor sleep hygiene and lack of routine schedule, this leads to insomnia. After a negative polysomnogram, she is evaluated by a psychologist trained in sleep and integrated into the breast cancer clinic. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia is recommended. Insomnia is common among breast cancer patients and survivors and is likely due to a combination of factors, including anxiety over prognosis and treatment side effects, which are sometimes long-lasting. Treatment of insomnia in these patients has been shown to improve their quality of life. Short sleep duration and circadian rhythm disturbances are associated with cancer development, progression, and prognosis.