Nonpharmacologic group treatment of insomnia: a preliminary study with cancer survivors

Abstract

This study describes, and examines the initial efficacy of, a sleep therapy programme developed for cancer patients with insomnia. The six-session group programme included stimulus control therapy, relaxation training, and other strategies aimed at consolidating sleep and reducing cognitive-emotional arousal. The 12 final participants were patients of a regional cancer centre; mean age was 54.7 years (S.D. 10.4); median time from cancer diagnosis was 33.6 months; all had high performance status. Participants kept sleep diaries and rated their sleep quality, mood and functioning at baseline, week 4 and week 8. Significant improvement over 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. 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. This is preliminary evidence of the efficacy of the programme. Further research is required to examine the programme's effectiveness and suitability for a wider range of people with cancer. Options for providing cancer patients with access to nonpharmacologic treatments for insomnia are discussed.