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'Talking cure' best for sleepless cancer survivors

02/10/2008

Dealing with the behavioural and mental factors that prevent people getting a normal sleep helps cancer survivors suffering from insomnia, new research suggests.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), otherwise known as the 'talking cure', was attributed with eliminating an average 55 minutes of wakefulness a night in a study by the University of Glasgow's sleep centre.

One-third of cancer survivors suffer insomnia, defined as a mean delay of longer than 30 minutes in falling off to sleep over three nights a week for three months, for an average of two years.

The study found trial participants reported a range of positive benefits as a result of the CBT. It helped disciple and sleep patterns, reduced worrying about nights when no sleep is possible and produced a change in behaviour noticeable by friends.

"When people with cancer receive the all clear from their cancer they want to get on with their lives," Professor Colin Espie said.

"Developing chronic insomnia can be a massive shock and a barrier to recovery. It causes fatigue, depression and anxiety and people often feel they have gone from one problem to another."

The problem, he says, is ensuring those who have left the care system dela with the problem. Many view taking more medication as "soul-destroying", Prof Epsie added.

"Better psychological care, practical advice and information at all stages of their treatment are needed."