How Head and Neck Cancer Can Impact Sleep

This high prevalence of OSA is particularly concerning since the same study found that two-thirds of individuals with the sleep disorder experienced a prolonged intensive care unit stay, required mechanical ventilation, or suffered from cardiopulmonary problems compared with just one-quarter of non-OSA patients.

In an email interview with HealthCentral, Houtan Chaboki, M.D., owner and president ofPotomac Plastic Surgery报道说,鼻区会导致癌症to a narrowing of the nasal passage. This can reduce airflow and lead to issues such as snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Chaboki suggested that, in addition to surgery, external nasal strips, internal nasal cones, anddental appliances can help to open the airways during sleep.

Dr. Chaboki pointed out thatCPAPis a good option for head and neck cancer patients with OSA. The American Cancer Society agrees — theircurrent guidelinesfor head and neck cancer care recommend that primary care clinicians should manage sleep disturbance similar to patients in the general population (this typically involves anovernight sleep studyand CPAP therapy if appropriate).

Dr. Chaboki suggested that sleeping with the head of the bed elevated by 15 degrees or more can help toimprove sleep disrupted by breathing problems. The American Cancer Society also suggests sleeping in a propped‐up position to reduce snoring and mouth‐breathing. The organization also recommends the use of cool‐mist humidifiers since they can aid sleep by keeping the airway moist.

Rajiv Datta, M.D., medical director of the Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center atSouth Nassau Communities Hospital, spoke with HealthCentral by email about head and neck cancer and sleep. He explained that those who undergo treatment for head and neck cancer often experiencexerostomia (dry mouth)— and this can lead to sleep difficulties. Chewing on gum,limiting caffeine, avoiding alcohol, and regularly sipping water can help alleviate dry mouth.

Dr. Datta pointed out thatdepression,smoking, andalcohol problemsare common in head and neck cancer patients — and all of these factors are associated with reduced sleep. Indeed,one studyfound that dry mouth and depression were significant predictors of poor sleep one year after a diagnosis of head and neck cancer — and that reducing dry mouth, quitting smoking, and cutting back on alcohol can improve sleep and quality of life.

Those with head and neck cancer can developgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and this can also disrupt sleep. The American Cancer Society recommends proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids, sleeping with a wedge pillow or three‐inch blocks under the head of the bed, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and not eating or drinking fluids for three hours before bedtime as methods to relieve GERD symptoms.

癌症相关疲劳是很常见的,应德en seriously since it has been found toreduce head and neck cancer survival rates. The American Cancer Society recommends investigating and treating identifiable causes of fatigue such as anemia, thyroid dysfunction, mood disorders, and pain. If no identifiable cause exists, engaging inregular physical activitycan improve symptoms and overall health.

As many as70 percent of head and neck cancer patients report pain— a higher prevalence of pain compared to other cancer sites.A study published in 2018suggested thatcognitive behavioral therapy-based relaxation techniques may help manage pain and improve sleep. Another study published in 2016 found thatmindfulness‐based stress reduction reduced distress andincreased quality of lifefor head and neck cancer patients who were undergoing radiotherapy.

Lastly, it's important to know that inflammation has long been linked to sleep problems — and a 2018 study concluded that circulating levels of interleukin-6 (an inflammatory messenger) wasa strong predictor of the occurrence of secondary primary cancerin head and neck cancer patients.A separate studysuggested that ahealthy dietwith high intakes of vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, and whole grains can reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and difficulty chewing.