Is insomnia associated with cognitive impairments in breast cancer patients?

Behav Sleep Med. 2013;11(4):239-57. doi: 10.1080/15402002.2012.672940. Epub 2012 Nov 26.

Abstract

Insomnia and cognitive impairment are both highly prevalent in breast cancer patients. This study, conducted among women treated for non-metastatic breast cancer, aimed at assessing the relationship between insomnia and cognitive functioning, measured objectively and subjectively, and evaluating the moderating role of age, educational level and intellectual potential. Sixty-three women completed a neuropsychological battery, self-report scales of cognitive functioning, 2 weeks of a daily sleep diary, and a demographic and medical questionnaire. Significant differences between women with insomnia and good sleepers were found on verbal episodic memory and executive functioning, assessed objectively, and some aspects of subjective cognitive functioning. Moreover, older age and a higher education were associated with more severe cognitive impairments related to insomnia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology
  • Cognition
  • Cognition Disorders / complications*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / complications*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires