Garland, S.N., Johnson, J.A., Savard, J., Gehrman, P., Perlis, M., Carlson, L., & Campbell, T. (2014). Sleeping well with cancer: A systematic review of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in cancer patients. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 10, 1113–1124.
STUDY PURPOSE: To review the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on sleep and psychological outcomes in patients with cancer and cancer survivors
Four of four uncontrolled trials showed a positive significant effect of CBT on sleep problems. Of eight RCTs, five showed a positive significant effect and three showed no difference between groups. One of these compared CBT to mindfulness-based stress reduction rather than usual care. One study showed no long-term effectiveness. Review of the evidence shows overall efficacy of CBT in patients without cancer. The intervention has been delivered effectively in person, individually or in groups, telephonically, and via the internet or videos.
The majority of evidence shows that CBT has a positive effect on sleep-wake disturbance in patients with cancer. The most effective duration, timing, and “dose” is unclear, but this approach appears to be effective when delivered with varied methods.
Evidence supports the effectiveness of CBT for sleep problems in patients with cancer, and this approach appears to be provided effectively in very practical ways, such as through videos and websites. At present, as reported in this review, CBT is seen as the treatment of choice for insomnia in patients with cancer. Future research for comparative effectiveness of various interventions for sleep disturbances is needed.