Improving sleep-wake disturbances in patients with cancer.

Patients with cancer tend to suffer sleep-wake disturbances at a higher rate than the general population. Insomnia and fatigue should be regarded as a significant patient safety issue, as poor sleep can elevate patients' risks of falls, motor vehicle accidents, and acute infectious illnesses. To alleviate those risks, oncology nurses should be familiar with effective evidence-based practices for assessing and improving patients' sleep quality.