The association between nocturnal hot flashes and sleep in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between objectively measured nocturnal hot flashes and objectively measured sleep in breast cancer survivors with insomnia. Twenty-four women who had completed treatment for non-metastatic breast cancer participated. All were enrolled in a study of cognitive-behavioral treatment for chronic insomnia. Nocturnal hot flashes and sleep were measured by skin conductance and polysomnography, respectively. The 10-minute periods around hot flashes were found to have significantly more wake time, and more stage changes to lighter sleep, than other 10-minute periods during the night. Nights with hot flashes had a significantly higher percentage of wake time, a lower percentage of Stage 2 sleep, and a longer REM latency compared to nights without hot flashes. Overall, hot flashes were found to be associated with less efficient, more disrupted sleep. Nocturnal hot flashes, or their underlying mechanisms, should be considered as potential contributors to sleep disruption in women with breast cancer who report poor sleep.

Characteristics and correlates of sleep disturbances in cancer patients

“…However, participants in the current study reported longer sleep duration than reported in prior work with breast cancer patients [10,11]. This is not surprising since research in the general population suggests women in their fifties experience more nocturnal disturbances [16], possibly due to hot flashes [3]. The second aim was to identify factors related to sleep.…”

“…Previous research suggests rates of insomnia, one type of sleep disorder, may be three times higher among patients receiving chemotherapy than the general population [1]. Sleep disturbances may be related to pain [2], hot flashes [3], or psychological factors [2]. Sleep disturbances affect patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses, can persist through treatment and survivorship, and are associated with greater depression and fatigue [1,4].…”

“…Sleep disturbances is a general term used for symptoms or perceptions of poor sleep [5]. Although numerous studies have been conducted of sleep disturbances among cancer patients [1][2][3][4][6][7][8][9], few have focused on the period before chemotherapy [10][11][12].…”

Acupuncture improves health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and sleep in women with breast cancer and hot flushes

“…The most typical menopausal distresses are hot flushes and sweating, interfering with activities, sleep and HRQoL [7][8][9]. Hot flushes are more common, severe and longlasting in women with breast cancer than in healthy women [10,11].…”

Traitement des bouffées de chaleur après cancer du sein

“…. Sans aller jusqu'à ces situations extrêmes, il a été montré que les troubles du sommeil sont plus fréquents chez les femmes après cancer du sein qu'après d'autres types de cancer et sont significativement associés avec la présence de BdC nocturnes [6,7].…”