Sleep quality and functioning in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients

A small number of studies have demonstrated that head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are more likely than others to experience sleep disturbance and mood changes during and after completion of treatment. It is of importance to identify factors that potentially contribute to these problems as quality of life is decreased in HNC patients. The purpose of this study is to: 1) describe various components of sleep quality and 2) identify correlates of sleep problems in HNC patients. Newly-diagnosed HNC patients (n = 107) from a comprehensive cancer center completed questionnaire assessments including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) prior to treatment initiation. Overall sleep quality was affected negatively in 64.6% of the sample, 66.7% reported high sleep disturbance scores (at least 10 out of a possible 27), 66.6% reported sleep disturbance due to pain, 52.8% reported sleep disturbance due to coughing/snoring loudly, and 20.2% reported having high daytime dysfunction scores (at least 3 out of a possible 6). Daytime dysfunction was significantly associated with difficulty breathing at night (p = 0.00, 95% CI=0.05 – 0.24), POMS - Depression (p = 0.01, 95% CI= 0.00 – 0.01), and lower physical activity (p = 0.00, 95% CI=-0.46 - -0.07). Results suggest that sleep quality is poor in the majority of newly diagnosed, untreated patients. Factors including difficulty breathing, depression, and lack of exercise may contribute to daytime dysfunction. Hence,it is important to educate patients,understand and modify these problems and factors.