Paliatívna medicína a liečba bolesti 1e/2026

Prevalence of sleep disorders and their association with quality of life in patients in oncology palliative care

Introduction: Sleep disorders are common symptoms among cancer patients receiving palliative care and may significantly affect quality of life, tolerance of other symptoms, and overall health status.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 100 hospitalized cancer patients receiving palliative care. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and quality of life using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results: Poor sleep quality was present in 67% of patients, and clinically significant excessive daytime sleepiness in 11%. Patients with poor sleep quality demonstrated significantly worse scores across all quality-of-life functional domains and a higher symptom burden. Excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with impaired cognitive and social functioning, reduced ability to perform daily activities, and a higher prevalence of multiple symptoms.

Conclusion: Sleep disorders represent a significant problem among cancer patients and are associated with reduced quality of life and increased symptom burden. The findings support the need for systematic screening of sleep disorders and the implementation of targeted interventions within comprehensive oncological and palliative care.

Keywords: sleep wake disorders, palliative care, cancer patients, quality of life, somnolence, symptom assessment