Sleep-related challenges and family functioning in children and adolescents previously treated for craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Purpose

We investigated sleep-related challenges and their association with family functioning in children and adolescents previously treated for craniopharyngioma.

Design

Quantitative approach using psychometrically validated measures.

Sample

Thirty-nine children and adolescents who had been treated for craniopharyngioma and their primary caregivers.

Methods

Caregivers and youth completed measures of family functioning, family routines, daytime sleepiness, and children’s sleep patterns.

Findings

Children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma had significantly higher ratings of self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness, bedtime fears/worries, and restless legs symptoms compared to their relatively healthy peers. Lack of family routines and poor family functioning were related to poor sleep-related outcomes and increased excessive daytime sleepiness.

Implications for Psychosocial Providers

Providers should consider assessing sleep difficulties in pediatric brain tumor survivors from a family systems perspective. Intervening on family-related factors may help improve sleep and other health-related outcomes, whereas intervening on sleep may help improve family functioning.

Keywords:

• cancer
• family
• pediatrics
• psychology
• sleep

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was partially supported by the Elizabeth A. Fries Scholarship in Psychology from the Virginia Commonwealth University awarded to Dr. Nour Al Ghriwati.