Sleep Disturbance
Brain tumors can also alter the sleeping patterns. The circadian rhythm which is the body’s inherent clock, regulates the body’s internal activities with changes along the day. It is maintained by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Any tumor that disturbs the functioning of this part of the brain can alter sleep-wake cycle. Insomnia at night and increased drowsiness during the daytime, termed as hypersomnia is seen in about 90% of patients undergoing radiation therapy. Other sleep related disturbances like resting limb disorder and sleep apnea are also seen. Sleep can also be disturbed due to other physiological and psychological upheaval in tumor patients.