Sleep Disturbances in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Individuals undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may experience significant sleep disruption before, during, and after their HSCT. Sleep disruption can contribute to symptom burden, increased fatigue, and reduced quality of life. During HSCT, sleep disruption was increased during the first 100 days, with greatest disturbance seen during the conditioning regimen and at the time of white blood cell count nadir. Similar to other cancer cohorts, insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in HSCT based on the limited literature available. Efforts to minimize sleep disturbances in the hospital during HSCT are warranted. In those with idiopathic pneumonia syndrome, bronchiolitis obliterans, and pulmonary vascular disease, sleep-related hypoventilation may arise due to pulmonary pathology. Education of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers on sleep hygiene, sleep health, and signs and symptoms of sleep disorders is needed. Further studies in HSCT patients using standardized surveys and assessments for sleep, longitudinal evaluation, and multicenter prospective trials are needed.