Prevalence of Sleep Deprivation and Cognitive Impairment in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Sleep deprivation and cognitive impairment represent significant issues among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, significantly impacting their daily activities and treatment journeys. The side effects of chemotherapy frequently contribute to disturbances in sleep and cognitive functions in these individuals. Recognizing the scope of these difficulties is essential for developing tailored interventions that cater to the specific requirements of cancer patients, ultimately improving their quality of life and treatment results. Materials and Methods: The research took place at a tertiary cancer care hospital, where 83 eligible chemotherapy patients were enlisted and assessed for sleep quality using the PSQI questionnaire and cognition using MoCA. Each questionnaire was administered only once. A PSQI total score of ≤5 indicated good sleep quality, while a score exceeding 5 indicated poor sleep quality. Similarly, a MoCA score below 26 suggested impaired cognition. Results: Among the entire sample, sleep deprivation was observed in 80.7% of chemotherapy patients, while cognitive impairment was identified in 44.6% of chemotherapy patients. Conclusion: The study deduces that sleep deprivation and cognitive impairment are exceedingly prevalent among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Keywords

• cancer; chemotherapy; cognition; cognitive impairment; sleep