| Description |
Sleep quality disturbances are reported in 15% to 30% of the U.S. adult population, including half of those aged ? 65. Sleep disruptions in individuals with cancer have been reported clinically but are yet to be verified in the literature. Sixty percent of all cancer occurs in persons aged ? 65. Because elderly persons are more likely to report sleep disruptions and more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, this population may be more vulnerable to sleep disruptions than the general oncology population. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in sleep quantity and sleep quality between individuals aged < 65 and those aged ? 65 and to determine if demographic and clinical factors affect sleep quality in the elderly cancer population. Patterns of sleep disruption in the elderly population were also reported. Secondary analysis was conducted on data from a descriptive correlational study on sleep, pain, and fatigue in cancer patients. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to determine perceived sleep disruption, use of medication, and daytime dysfunction. Fifty-seven of the 214 participants in the study were ? 65. No differences were found in sleep quantity or overall sleep quality between the older and younger groups. Sleep duration, a categorical measurement of sleep quantity, was significantly different between groups(X2 = 14.339, p = <c.002), with those aged < 65 showing shorter sleep duration. No associations were found between sleep quality and demographic factors in those aged ? 65. Stage of disease in this age group was the only clinical factor have significance to sleep quality (x=X2 = 8.491, p < .014), with regional and advanced disease more problematic for sleep than localized disease. Comparisons between those aged 65 to 74 and those ? 75 showed no differences in sleep quality. Nearly 60% of older persons reported awakening at least three times during the past week. Use of the bathroom was the most common reason cited for nighttime awakening in the elderly population, followed by coughing or snoring and then pain. It is recommended that further research be conducted to verify sleep disturbances in oncology patients. Those with advance stage disease should be identified as most likely to report sleep disturbances in the oncology population and should be targeted for education about sleep hygiene and for interventional studies. |
