Positive Health Online

Abstract

DAVIDSON and colleagues, Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, davidsnj@post.queensu.ca, examined the initial efficacy of a sleep therapy programme developed for cancer patients with insomnia. The authors also discuss options for providing cancer patients with access to nonpharmacological treatments for insomnia.

Background

Methodology

12 patients of a regional cancer centre, mean age 54.7 years (SD 10.4), median time from cancer diagnosis 33.6 months, and of high performance status, underwent a six-session group programme that included stimulus control therapy, relaxation training and other strategies aimed at consolidating sleep and reducing cognitive- emotional arousal . Participants kept sleep diaries and rated their sleep quality, mood and functioning at baseline, week 4 and week 8.

Results

Significant improvement from baseline was observed at weeks 4 and 8 in the number of awakenings, time awake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, sleep quality ratings and scores on European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 role functioning and insomnia . Total sleep time and fatigue were significantly improved at week 8 .

Conclusion

The sleep therapy programme was associated with improved sleep, reduced fatigue and enhanced ability to perform activities in relatively well individuals attending a cancer centre. The results provide preliminary evidence for the efficacy of the programme. Further research will be required to examine the programme's effectiveness and suitability for a wider range of people with cancer.

References

Davidson JR et al. Nonpharmacologic group treatment of insomnia: a preliminary study with cancer survivors. Psycho-oncology 10 (5): 389-97. Sep-Oct 2001.