Cancer is one of the most dreaded and dangerous diseases in the world. Cancer is a condition in which cells mutate and multiply uncontrollably, invading the surrounding tissues. Cancer can affect different body parts, starting in one part and spreading to others. This article will discuss lung cancer and how it affects one’s sleep patterns.
Lung cancer is caused by the mutation of DNA of cells in the airways, which can be caused by smoking or inhaling carcinogenic (i.e. cancer-casuing) substances, which is common in case of certain occupations. As we all know, sleep is essential as it provides the much-required rest for the body and mind. Read on to understand how lung cancer can affect a patient’s sleep cycle.
Lung cancer is considered to be one of the most common and deadliest diseases worldwide. As mentioned above, it is caused by the mutation of cells in the airway. The mutated cells divide uncontrollably and form masses or tumours. Lung cancer is of two types: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is seen in 15% of people with lung cancer, making it less common than non-small cell lung cancer. Though it is rare, it is fast growing and therefore, dangerous.
SCLC gets its name because the cancer cells appear small and round under the microscope. This is mainly caused by smoking tobacco or inhaling carcinogenic substances.
This type of lung cancer can cause fluid to build up in the layers covering the lungs known as the pleura. As a result, air gets pushed out of the lungs causing lung collapse. This is known as pleural effusion.
Small cell lung cancer is of two types:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is more common than SCLC and is seen in 85% of people affected with lung cancer. The growth rate is slower compared to SCLC but the cells are relatively larger.
NSCLC can be of three types:
Multiple factors increase an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer and may act alone or in combination. The key risk factors are:1
Smoking is the most common and important risk factor leading to lung cancer. The relative risk depends on:
Apart from direct smoking, passive smoking (also called secondhand smoking) can also cause the disease. Former smokers are also at risk, even though the risk is less than that of current smokers. Consumption of alcohol and beta-carotene supplements, along with smoking, act as synergists and increase the chances of lung cancer.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas which is odourless and colourless. It is naturally present in rocks and soil and may seep into houses and apartments, thereby increasing the risk of lung cancer to people who inhale them. Cigarette smoking, along with radon exposure, is considered to significantly increase the chance of lung cancer.2
It’s dangerous to have increased exposure to the following substances:
People working in the construction sector are more prone to such exposures. Diesel exhaust may also cause the condition. Likewise, people who spend a lot of time on the road (such as long distance lorry drivers) are highly susceptible to exposure to diesel exhaust fumes.
People who have a history of lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are also more prone to lung cancer as their lungs are already weak. These lung conditions, combined with smoking, may cause lung cancer.
Even people who do not smoke and are not exposed to the aforementioned risk factors can also develop lung cancer. This can be attributed to their family history. People whose parents or grandparents have had a diagnosis of lung cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease.
Apart from the above mentioned factors, multiple other factors also contribute to the development of lung cancer such as:
In the initial phases, lung cancer is difficult to diagnose as it does not pose any signs or symptoms. An X-ray of the chest taken for another, unrelated, condition may lead to the diagnosis. Once the condition progresses, symptoms start to develop which include:
Sleep is of utmost importance for the body and the brain. It is the time when the body rests after being put to work the entire day. Getting the right amount of sleep is important for the body to function properly the next day. How much sleep one needs depends from person to person.
Generally, between seven and nine hours of sleep a night is considered ideal. Children and teenagers require more sleep than adults. The amount of sleep also depends on individual circumstances. People who are unwell or pregnant require more rest and sleep than someone who is healthy and not pregnant.
There are two stages of sleep:
NREM sleep has three stages. Once we start sleeping, we slip into stage one and then cycle between stages two and three, before moving to REM sleep. This cycle continues until the person wakes up.
The REM stage gets its name because of the rapid movement of the eyes exhibited during this stage. This stage is when one starts dreaming.
Lung cancer has a severe impact on the sleep cycle of the patient. This also impairs the individual's daily functioning, thereby compromising the quality of life. Insomnia is a common symptom found among lung cancer patients.
Patients can experience pain, discomfort, and respiratory issues as a result of which they can’t rest properly. They also experience certain side effects of chemotherapy or radiation like nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
Apart from the physical symptoms, psychological factors also play a major role in tampering with the sleep cycle. Anxiety and depression associated with the disease and fear of prognosis have a major impact on the sleep cycle.
Some common sleep disorders seen in cancer patients are:3
Sleep management is crucial for lung cancer patients as it provides them with the adequate rest they require throughout their treatment. Getting enough sleep is important for physical and mental well-being.
Ways that we can manage sleep include medications and behavioural and lifestyle changes.
In order to relieve pain and discomfort, doctors prescribe painkillers. The type of painkillers prescribed depends on the level and severity of pain. For mild pain, over-the-counter drugs are given. These include:
As the severity of pain increases to moderate and severe levels, doctors will begin to prescribe morphine and other opioids.4 To help with better sleep patterns, sleep aids like melatonin tablets can be given on prescription.
Apart from medicines, certain lifestyle changes can also help lead to better sleeping patterns. Some of the changes include:
