Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe group and individual characteristics of nighttime sleep-wake patterns among school-age children with cancer receiving inpatient chemotherapy. DESIGN AND METHODS: This multiple-case study used wrist actigraphs and sleep diaries to measure sleep for three nights in 15 children with cancer. RESULTS: Nighttime sleep was less than that required for healthy school-age children and was marked by frequent awakenings. Individual variation in sleep characteristics was evident. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Interventions to promote nighttime sleep in the hospital include system-based and individualized efforts to minimize disruptions and support children's home sleep routines.