Sleep-related challenges and family functioning in children and adolescents previously treated for craniopharyngioma

Purpose: We investigated sleep-related challenges and their association with family functioning in children and adolescents previously treated for craniopharyngioma. Design: Quantitative approach using psychometrically validated measures. Sample: Thirty-nine children and adolescents who had been treated for craniopharyngioma and their primary caregivers. Methods: Caregivers and youth completed measures of family functioning, family routines, daytime sleepiness, and children's sleep patterns. Findings: Children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma had significantly higher ratings of self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness, bedtime fears/worries, and restless legs symptoms compared to their relatively healthy peers. Lack of family routines and poor family functioning were related to poor sleep-related outcomes and increased excessive daytime sleepiness. Implications for Psychosocial Providers: Providers should consider assessing sleep difficulties in pediatric brain tumor survivors from a family systems perspective. Intervening on family-related factors may help improve sleep and other health-related outcomes, whereas intervening on sleep may help improve family functioning.