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Sleep complaints in survivors of pediatric brain tumors

Supportive Care in Cancer volume 24, pages 23–31 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Pediatric brain tumor survivors have increased risk of sleep problems, particularly excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Few studies have examined sleep disturbances in this population.

Methods

153 children and adolescents ages 8–18 and their parents completed questionnaires (Modified Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Kosair Children’s Hospital Sleep Questionnaire, Children’s Report of Sleep Patterns, Children’s Sleep Hygiene Scale) during clinic visits. Participants were at least 5 years from diagnosis and 2 years post-treatment. Group differences in age at diagnosis, body mass index, type of treatment received, and tumor location were examined.

Results

One-third of adolescents and one-fifth of children reported EDS. Children and parents had fair concordance (kappa coefficient = .64) in their report of EDS, while adolescents and parents had poor concordance (kappa coefficient = .37). Per parents, most children slept 8 to 9 h per night. Poor bedtime routines were reported for children, while adolescents endorsed poor sleep stability. Extended weekend sleep was reported across age groups. A BMI in the obese range was related to higher parent-reported EDS in children. Sleep-disordered breathing was associated with elevated BMI in adolescents.

Conclusions

While survivors reported achieving recommended amounts of sleep each night, 20 to 30 % reported EDS. Poor concordance among parent and adolescent report highlights the importance of obtaining self-report when assessing sleep concerns. Obesity is a modifiable factor in reducing symptoms of EDS in this population. Finally, the lack of association between EDS and brain tumor location, BMI, or treatment received was unexpected and warrants further investigation.

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Disclosures

None.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Chasity Brimeyer

    Present address: Jane B. Pettit Pain Management and Headache Center, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA

  2. Leah Adams

    Present address: Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA

Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 101, Memphis, TN, USA

    Chasity Brimeyer, Leah Adams & Valerie McLaughlin Crabtree

  2. Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA

    Liang Zhu & Deo Kumar Srivastava

  3. Methodist Healthcare Sleep Disorders Center, Memphis, TN, USA

    Merrill Wise

  4. Departments of Oncology and Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA

    Melissa M. Hudson

Authors
  1. Chasity Brimeyer
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  2. Leah Adams
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  3. Liang Zhu
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  4. Deo Kumar Srivastava
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  5. Merrill Wise
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  7. Valerie McLaughlin Crabtree
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Valerie McLaughlin Crabtree.

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Cite this article

Brimeyer, C., Adams, L., Zhu, L. et al. Sleep complaints in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Support Care Cancer 24, 23–31 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2713-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2713-x

Keywords

  • Pediatric
  • Cancer
  • Sleep
  • Obesity