Sleep disturbances in craniopharyngioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Our findings imply sleep-related impairments in patients with craniopharyngioma during both of diurnal and nocturnal phases, particularly the daytime hypersomnolence and narcolepsy. Discrepancies between subjective ESS and objective MSLT of EDS assessments underscore the need for the MSLT in pediatric patients. These results suggest that the tumor and/or its treatment may affect the coordination of hypothalamic sleep-wake regulatory nuclei or orexin neurons.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with craniopharyngioma; studies of sleep disturbances in PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane library up to April 8, 202522 studies
- Participants
- 1,137 vs 370
- Comparison
- Craniopharyngioma patients vs matched controls
- Craniopharyngioman = 1,137
- Controlsn = 370reference
- Outcome
- Prevalence and severity of sleep disorders; alterations in sleep structure and sleep breathing
Methodological detailsrandom-effect meta-analysis
- Random-effect meta-analysis
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- Pooled mean Pittsburgh sleep quality index score
- 6.76 (95% CI: 6.17-7.35)
- Overall prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
- 50% (95% CI: 40%-61%)
- EDS prevalence by multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)
- 55%, 95% CI: 43%-67%
- EDS prevalence by Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS)
- 36%, 95% CI: 25%-48%
- Prevalence of narcolepsy
- 27% (95% CI: 21%-33%)
- Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea
- 14% (95% CI: 5%-24%)
Further pooled results
- Mean sleep latency on MSLT — Craniopharyngioma
- pooled mean 8.45 min
Periodic limb movements index
- Obviously abnormal across age subgroups in craniopharyngioma
Sleep structure vs controls
- Significantly reduced REM sleep vs healthy controls
- Shorter sleep onset latency but no reduction in non-REM stage 3 vs obese controls
Mean sleep latency on MSLT
- Significantly shorter than in healthy and obese controls
Original publication
Sleep disturbances in craniopharyngioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pituitary. Published 1 December 2025. doi:10.
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