Sleep problems ‘causing mental difficulties for childhood cancer survivors’

Patients who survive cancer in their childhood are at a higher risk of developing of cognitive difficulties later in life due to sleep problems, according to a new study.

Scientists from St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis have assessed this potential link using data from 1,426 patients involved in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.

It was found that more than 20 percent of subjects were affected by cognitive impairment, with those demonstrating sleeping difficulties three to four times more likely to also be affected by attention and memory problems.

Study leader Dr Kevin Krull explained: "Since survivors are already at increased risk for attention and memory problems, sleep loss and fatigue may make these cognitive problems worse."

It is thought that these findings may also apply to survivors of other conditions demonstrating simultaneous sleep and cognitive problems.

Last month, a study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology that showcased a possible new means of restoring fertility to male patients who have been rendered sterile by childhood cancer treatment.