Sleep Disruptions and Hot Flashes in Post Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer

Purpose:The purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore the associations between the frequency of hot flashes and sleep disruptions experienced by post menopausal women with the diagnosis of breast cancer and received acupuncture treatments for hot flashes. Data Sources: Data were gathered for this secondary analysis from 47 African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian women experiencing hot flashes after receiving treatment for breast cancer who were enrolled in an intervention study of acupuncture for menopausal hot flash reduction. Conclusions:Strong correlations were found between sleep disruptions, total hot flashes, daytime hot flashes, and night sweats at the conclusion of treatment and over the entire 12 weeks of follow-up. The results suggest that hot flashes and sleep disruptions are strongly correlated and that both acupuncture interventions resulted in a concomitant reduction in sleep disruptions. Implications for Clinical Practice:Nurses involved in holistic practice can recommend and/or provide the safe and effective alternative treatment of acupuncture for hot flash reduction and concomitant sleep disruptions. As a result, the quality of life for these women can be greatly improved.