Sleep Disorders, Dysregulation of Circadian Rhythms, and Fatigue After Craniopharyngioma-A Narrative Review.

Introduction

Tumor- and/or treatment-associated hypothalamic damage results in reduced quality of life and increased morbidity due to sleep disorders in survivors of craniopharyngioma.

Methods

The narrative review is based on a search of Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Embase databases for the identification of publications. The search terms craniopharyngioma, sleep disorders, fatigue, and daytime sleepiness were used. Selected English language papers published 1970-2025 were included.

Results

Circadian rhythms (wakefulness and sleep) are controlled by hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei and regulated by melatonin. A dysregulation of circadian rhythms due to altered melatonin secretion can be observed in craniopharyngioma with hypothalamic involvement. Furthermore, sleep quality is regulated by lateral hypothalamic areas, the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus, and monoaminergic nuclei which function as the arousal system. Flexible changes between sleep and wakefulness can be achieved through interaction of arousal and sleep-promoting systems named "flip-flop" switch. Insomnia can be the result of damage to the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus. Excessive daytime sleepiness and disrupted sleep patterns can be observed due to dysregulation of lateral hypothalamic areas. Obesity, chronic fatigue, headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness can be the result of poor sleep quality. "Primary" hypothalamic sleep dysfunction, including narcolepsy, dysregulated sleep-wake cycles, and hypersomnia, can be observed due to hypothalamic dysfunction. "Secondary" sleep disturbances including obstructive sleep apnea, insufficient substitution medication for arginine vasopressin deficiency (nocturia), or psychosocial factors are sequelae in patients with craniopharyngioma and hypothalamic lesions.

Conclusions

Further research on novel treatment approaches for sleep disorders due to hypothalamic syndrome are warranted to improve the outcome after craniopharyngioma.