The effect of sleep disturbance on quality of life in women with ovarian cancer

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of sleep disturbances, and to determine if there is an association between sleep disturbances with quality of life (QOL), depression or clinical demographic variables.MethodsPatients diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer during the last 5 years completed questionnaires regarding sleep patterns and disturbances [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], depression [Beck Depression inventory (BDI)], and QOL [The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Ovarian (FACT-O), fatigue module (− F)]. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test or Pearson correlation coefficient to determine if there were differences between PSQI score with QOL, depression or clinical demographic variables.Results86/275 (31% response) of patients returned the surveys. Mean age was 58.1 (SD = 14.6) years and 70% had advanced disease at diagnosis. Thirty-six percent had current disease of which 81% were receiving chemotherapy. Sixty-seven percent of patients had a PSQI score ≥ 5 corresponding to overall poor sleep quality and 46% of patients reported using sleep medication at least once during the prior month. PSQI score was significantly inversely correlated with all QOL domains (physical: r = −.599, p < .001, functional: r = −.692, p < .001, social: r = −.212, p < .001, emotional: r = −.379, p < .001, fatigue; r = −.655 p < .001) and with depression (r = .539, p < .001). PSQI was not correlated with age, time since diagnosis, number of previous chemotherapy regimens. PSQI score did not differ by current disease or chemotherapy status.ConclusionsSleep disturbances reduce QOL, a prognostic indicator for survival, in ovarian cancer patients. These patients should undergo routine screening and would benefit from interventions that aim to promote restful sleep.

► Ovarian cancer patients have a high prevalence of sleep disturbances and poor sleep quality.
► Sleep disturbances are associated with decreased quality of life and increased depression.