Background: World Health Orginazation (WHO) reported that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally with estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Sleeplessness is a common problem for people with a cancer diagnosis. Humans sleep around eight hours a day which adds up to a third of life. It is the responsibility of nurses to see to the nursing of patients, including sleep. Limited sleep can lead to a greater risk of contracting immunological diseases. In Swedish hospitals there are few guidelines for handling sleeplessness with patients, therefore a study regarding factors influencing sleep negatively is important for the nursing profession.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe experiences that influence night sleep for patients with a cancer diagnosis.

Method: The method for this study is a literature review using quantitative and qualitative articles.

Results: Among the factors that influence sleep, the most common were pain, urinary and bowel issues, depression, anxiety, social constraints and cancer related loneliness.

Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is that more guidelines regarding sleep is necessary for the development of nursing.