BRIDGING THE DIVIDE: COMBINING TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND WESTERN METHODS FOR TUMOR-RELATED INSOMNIA

Abstract

Malignant tumors have become a leading cause of mortality, and tumor-related insomnia is a pervasive issue among cancer patients. Characterized by disrupted sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling back asleep after waking, nighttime awakenings are especially common. Studies have revealed that a substantial proportion of cancer patients, ranging from 30% to as high as 95%, suffer from severe sleep disturbances that persist throughout their cancer journey and persist beyond treatment completion. The consequences of tumor-related insomnia are far-reaching, contributing to physical symptoms, as well as mental and psychological abnormalities. These sleep disturbances can exacerbate pain and overall discomfort. Furthermore, research has shown that chronic insomnia, lasting more than a decade, is associated with a 24% increased risk of cancer compared to the general population. This study aims to investigate insomnia while excluding other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, to focus on the factors affecting sleep quality and duration.