Sleep Problems and Management of Breast Cancer

Sleep disorders are common among breast cancer patients and are also a determinant of life quality. It is significant to conduct health protection studies to detect sleep disorders, treat existing disorders, and prevent their health. Insomnia, constructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, and poor sleep quality are among the sleep disorders that can be observed frequently in breast cancer patients. At first, a clinical interview must be conducted to detect these disorders, and the level of sleep disorder should be determined using scales. Polysomnography should be used when deemed necessary. In the case of the detection of sleep disorders, both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions can be made. However, due to their low side effects, non-pharmacological interventions should be considered predominantly. Physical (progressive relaxation exercises, endurance training, Pilates, and dance) and mental body exercises (yoga), psychological interventions (mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy), and complementary and supportive treatments (acupuncture, aromatherapy, and ayurveda) are reliable interventions that can be preferred in breast cancer patients.