Journal of Sleep Disorders & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Association of Short Sleep Duration with Psychological Conditions in Cancer Survivors: From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Hyung-Suk Yoon, Jae Jeong Yang, Hwi-Won Lee and Daehee Kang

Background: Cancer survivors experience various psychological complications. This study aims to explore the concurrent association between short sleep duration and poor psychological conditions among adult cancer survivors in Korea.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007-2012) included 1,042 cancer survivors and 33,867 non-cancer controls. Psychological conditions (i.e., severe distress, depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt) were compared between cancer survivors and non-cancer controls. Based on logistic regression models controlling for age and sex, associations between short sleep duration and psychological status were evaluated among cancer survivors.

Results: Cancer survivors exhibited higher estimated proportions of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt than non-cancer controls. Short sleep duration was found to have a significantly increased likelihood for poor psychological outcomes such as severe distress, depression, and suicidal ideation in cancer survivors (OR=2.21, 95% CI 1.28-3.81; OR=3.14, 95% CI 1.47-6.72, and OR=2.32, 95% CI 1.70-3.78, respectively).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that short sleep duration can place cancer survivors at a higher risk of adverse psychological conditions. Interventions focused on improving both sleep behavior and psychological stability among cancer survivors are needed.