Sleep and Wakefulness in Children with Brain Tumors

Sleep problems are important causes of morbidity in children who have brain tumors and can often be corrected if they are identified and treated appropriately. Sleep problems are most often associated with tumors involving the hypothalamus and brain stem, and with cranial radiation. This article summarizes the more common and important sleep problems that are seen in children who have brain tumors, discusses the factors that contribute to the sleep disturbance, and describes a clinical approach to solving these problems.