Parental Report of Sleep Hygiene and Sleep Quality in Children with Cancer: Implications for the Development of a Family-Based Behavioral Intervention

Background

Despite modern advancement in treatments and recovery of pediatric cancer, children with cancer still commonly experience debilitating sleep disturbance and fatigue during and after active treatment. Sleep disturbance is detrimental for psychosocial functioning and quality of life for children with cancer. It may also lead to slower cancer recovery rate. Sleep disturbances appear to be particularly problematic during inpatient hospitalizations. Research indicates that loss of daily routine, increased anxiety, and separation from family are factors that could contribute to disruptions in sleep. While these are factors commonly associated young patients' experience with hospitalization, little is known about how pediatric cancer patients experience sleep in the hospital setting.

Project Goal

The goal of the study is to investigate sleep in pediatric oncology in the context of inpatient hospitalization. Data will be collected to reflect parents' perceptions of sleep quality in themselves and in their child with cancer – specifically during inpatient. Participants will be recruited through networks of caregivers/parents of children with cancer in order to access potential participants. We also aim to examine how pediatric cancer and hospitalization together influence sleep quality and quantity within a family system by assessing sleep within parent and child dyads. Findings from this study would help us identify potential barriers to good sleep quality and inform guidelines to create an environment that can provide optimal family-centered care systems, which is often overlooked in the current medical settings.