Oral cancer is a common malignant tumor, and its incidence has steadily increased in recent years. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, are prevalent among patients with oral cancer and significantly impact their quality of life. Emerging research suggests a bidirectional relationship between oral cancer and sleep disorders. This article reviews how oral cancer induces or exacerbates sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), through factors such as pain, psychological stress, and treatment-related side effects (e.g., upper airway damage caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical interventions). Furthermore, it analyzes how sleep disorders may promote oral cancer progression via chronic inflammation, intermittent hypoxia, oxidative stress, and disruption of circadian rhythms. By elucidating these interactions, this review provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing clinical treatment plans through a holistic understanding of their shared pathophysiological mechanisms.
口腔癌是一种常见的恶性肿瘤，近年来其发病率呈持续上升趋势。睡眠障碍（包括失眠和阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停）在口腔癌患者中普遍存在，并显著影响其生活质量。最新研究表明，口腔癌与睡眠障碍之间存在双向关联。本文综述了口腔癌如何通过疼痛、心理压力及治疗相关副作用（如化疗、放疗或手术干预导致的上呼吸道损伤）等因素诱发或加重睡眠障碍，特别是阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停（OSA）。同时分析了睡眠障碍可能通过慢性炎症、间歇性缺氧、氧化应激及昼夜节律紊乱等机制促进口腔癌进展。通过阐明这些相互作用，本综述为从整体角度理解其共同的病理生理机制、优化临床治疗方案提供了理论基础。
Oral Cancer and Sleep Disturbances: A Narrative Review on Exploring the Bidirectional Relationship
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家