Insomnia in elderly cancer survivors—a population-based controlled study of associations with lifestyle, morbidity, and psychosocial factors. Results from the Health Survey of North-Trøndelag County (HUNT-2)

Abstract

Insomnia affects people physically, mentally and in their ability to perform ADL. Elderly cancer survivors with insomnia reported more physical and psychosocial problems compared to survivors without insomnia. Except for increased P-ADL problems, cancer survivors with insomnia reported similarly to cancer-free controls with insomnia.

How do I best manage insomnia and other sleep disorders in older adults with cancer?

“…36 Older patients with cancer who have insomnia reported 15% higher rate of musculoskeletal diseases and gastro-intestinal symptoms. 20 In addition, 26% of older adults with cancer and insomnia also reported 'good health', which was significantly less compared to 46% in survivors without such symptoms. 20 Additionally, they reported more regular use of sleep medications, problems with performing activities of daily living including personal hygiene, dressing and eating, and higher levels of anxiety and depression.…”

“…20 In older adults with cancer, a cross-sectional study revealed that those who experience pain, fatigue, and insomnia have lower quality of life and also had the greatest decrements in functioning. 34 In addition, they reported more physical and psychosocial problems.…”

“…34 In addition, they reported more physical and psychosocial problems. 20 Studies have shown that older adults with sleep disorders are also more inclined to develop anxiety disorders and depression. 35 Insomnia is also associated with impaired daytime functioning, increased risk of falls as well as problems in concentration and memory.…”

“…20 Additionally, they reported more regular use of sleep medications, problems with performing activities of daily living including personal hygiene, dressing and eating, and higher levels of anxiety and depression. 20 These adverse consequences from insomnia in turn can create challenges in cancer treatment compliance, with a higher rate of adverse events related to medication interactions and increased mortality.…”

“…In three studies limited to patients with cancer who were age 65 and older, the prevalence of insomnia was found to be from 19 to 60% (Table 1). [19][20][21] The wide variability in prevalence is likely due to the difference in the sampled population and in the methods used to assess sleep (for example, insomnia was assessed using a dichotomous response (yes/no) in the study by Mao 19 Prevalence also differs by gender, age, cancer type, treatment duration, and time since cancer diagnosis. In a study of older women with breast cancer who underwent surgical treatment, distress caused by insomnia decreased significantly over time after discharge, nevertheless a significant portion of the patients reported persistent insomnia.…”