The Effect of Cancer Therapy and Music Concert Applied to Children on Sleep

Cancer is a disease characterized by rapid proliferation and uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells . According to the tumor statistics data of the Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG), the incidence of cancer in children aged 10-14 in Turkey is 22.80 per million (n= 2756), while this rate is 7.35 per million in children aged 15-19 years (n= 2756). 886). Despite the high incidence of cancer, it has started to be seen as a life-threatening chronic disease rather than a terminal disease with the treatment methods developed in the field of pediatric oncology However, early initiation of treatment, effective treatment use, and high treatment success have made increasing the quality of life and psychosocial approach even more important. However, both cancer diagnosis and treatment reduce the child's quality of life and cause many psychosocial and physical problems.

Sleep plays a role in many important functions such as growth and development, tissue regeneration, energy conservation, and strengthening of the immune system in childhood.

Inadequate sleep quality and sleep disorders are frequently observed in children diagnosed with cancer . Sleep problems are seen in approximately half of children with cancer. Difficulty falling asleep, waking up suddenly during sleep, difficulty waking up, and excessive daytime sleepiness are symptoms that indicate inadequate sleep quality in children with cancer .

Sleep problems begin with the diagnosis of children with cancer, and the amount and quality of sleep of the child is negatively affected due to reasons such as unfamiliar environment, deterioration of sleep habits, and staying away from their own bed at the first admission to the clinic. In addition, symptoms such as side effects related to the treatment initiated, disruption of sleep routine due to treatment, and pain due to illness cause sleep problems . These sleep problems make it difficult for children to comply with treatment and reduce their quality of life.

Alternative pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods can be used in the management of cancer-related sleep disorders . Aromatherapy and listening to music are among the recommended non-pharmacological methods .