Objective. In patients treated for non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma (NFMA) increased fatigue scores on quality of life (QoL) have been reported. Because this may be related to altered sleep patterns, we evaluated daytime sleepiness and sleep patterns in patients successfully treated for NFMA in our center.

Design. Case-control study.

Patients and Methods. We assessed sleepiness and sleep patterns in 76 adult patients (41 men, mean age 63 years, range 37–87 years) in remission of NFMA during long-term follow up (10 years, range 0.5 to 30 years) after surgical (n=76) and additional radiotherapeutical (n = 28) treatment. We used two validated questionnaires for sleep parameters (Epworth sleepiness score and Münchener Chronotype Questionnaire) and four validated questionnaires for quality of life (HADS, MFI-20, NHP, SF-36). Patient outcomes were compared to 76 healthy controls.

Results. Sleep duration and timing of sleep were not affected compared to healthy controls. However, sleepiness score was increased in patients compared to controls (7.6 ± 4.6 vs. 4.8 ± 3.1, P<0.001), reflecting increased daytime sleepiness in patients. There were no correlations between any of the sleep pattern parameters (duration, onset, rise time or midsleep) and sleepiness scores. Sleepiness scores were significantly correlated to 15 of the 21 quality of life parameters, whereas sleep patterns were not. Sleep timing was influenced by previous radiotherapy, whereas sleep duration was negatively affected by panhypopituitarism.

Conclusion. Daytime sleepiness is increased despite normal sleep patterns in patients treated for non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma.