Sleep Disturbances in Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of sleep disturbances, an often, neglected aspect of holistic health. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of sleep disturbances in survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to identify any risk factors for the same.

METHODS

Survivors of ALL aged 6-18 years, who had completed their treatment, at least two or more years ago, were enrolled. The Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was used to assess the sleep problems.

RESULTS

Out of 89 childhood survivors of ALL, 42.7% had sleep disturbances. Fears during treatment, painful memories during treatment, younger age at enrolment, and shorter interval from treatment completion were significantly more in patients having sleep problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately half of childhood ALL survivors had sleep problems. Fears during chemotherapy and shorter post-completion interval were significant risk factors for sleep problems in childhood cancer survivors.