Behavioral Interventions Help Cancer Patients Struggling with Sleep Issues

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported that cancer patients who are struggling with sleep issues as a result of pain or side effects from treatment can undergo two behavioral interventions for relief. Between 36 to 59 percent of patients with cancer experience disturbed sleep and insomnia during and after the completion of cancer treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help to combat these problems. When assessed three months after completing an eight-week treatment period, researchers found that patients who had been treated with CBT-I and MBSR experienced a reduction in insomnia severity across both groups. To find out more on the results of the study, click here.