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Sleep disturbances in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 January 2017

Kirstin F. Maltby Open the ORCID record for Kirstin F. Maltby [Opens in a new window] ,
Christine R. Sanderson ,
Elizabeth A. Lobb  and
Jane L. Phillips
Kirstin F. Maltby*
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia Calvary Health Care Sydney, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
Christine R. Sanderson
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia Calvary Health Care Sydney, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia CareSearch Palliative Care Knowledge Network, Department of Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
Elizabeth A. Lobb
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia Calvary Health Care Sydney, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia Cunningham Centre for Palliative Care, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
Jane L. Phillips
Affiliation:
The Centre for Cardiovascular and Chronic Care, University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Health, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Kirstin Maltby, School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame–Australia, 160 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, 2010 Australia. E-mail: [email protected].
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Abstract

Objective:

Sleep disturbances are a common issue for those who provide informal care to someone with a life-limiting condition. The negative consequences of poor sleep are well documented. The purpose of the present study was to determine the sleep patterns of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer.

Method:

An extensive systematic review of studies reporting empirical sleep data was undertaken in 2015 in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. A total of eight electronic databases were searched, with no date restrictions imposed. Additionally, a search of the bibliographies of the studies identified during the electronic search was conducted. Search terms included: “sleep,” “insomnia,” “sleep disturbance,” “circadian rhythm,” “caregiver,” “carer,” “advanced cancer,” “palliative cancer,” and MESH suggestions. The inclusion criteria required studies to be in English and to report primary qualitative and/or quantitative research that examined sleep in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Unpublished studies, conference papers, and dissertations were excluded.

Results:

Overall, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Two major findings emerged from the data synthesis. First, at least 72% of caregivers reported moderate to severe sleep disturbance as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Second, objective measurement of caregivers' sleep identified that some caregivers experienced up to a 44% reduction in their total sleep time compared to the recommended eight hours.

Significance of Results:

Reduction in total sleep time appears to be the biggest issue facing caregivers' sleep. Future studies need to explore the specific factors that cause these sleep disturbances and thus help to identify interventions to optimize sleep.

Keywords

SleepCaregiversAdvanced cancerReviewPalliative care
Type
Review Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 15 , Issue 1 , February 2017 , pp. 125 - 140
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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