Sleep quality and sedentary behavior among cancer survivors: is there a possible link?

Abstract

Purpose: Disrupted sleep patterns can be frequent in cancer survivors not only during treatment but also during survival. This study aimed to analyze the possible link between sleep quality and sedentary behavior among cancer patients. Methods: Demographic and clinical information was obtained through an assessment form. Sleep quality and physical inactivity level were assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), respectively. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2023 in the Medical Oncology unit of Izmir Bakırçay University Faculty of Medicine. Results: This study was completed with a total of 80 patients with most of the types of cancer being breast (n=55). The mean PSQI score was 7.68±4.02. SBQ scores were 8.16±3.90, and 6.85±3.86 hours on weekdays and weekends, respectively. No significant association was observed between PSQI and SBQ total scores (p>.05). Age was correlated with sleep disturbances (r=-.24, p=0.03), daytime dysfunction (r=-.34, p=0.002), and first item of SBQ (watching TV) both on weekdays (r=.35, p=0.001) and weekends (r=.38, p=0.001), respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that there was no significant relationship between sedentary behavior and sleep quality among cancer patients, however, the remarkable rate of poor sleep quality was evident in this sample. However, it might be reasonable to suggest that the increased screen time especially for older cancer patients due to significant associations between screen time and age, should be well managed while sleep hygiene and daytime dysfunction should be considered further among younger cancer survivors.