Feasibility and efficacy of ‘Can-Sleep’: effects of a stepped-care approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in cancer

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of the Can-Sleep stepped-care intervention for people with cancer-related sleep disturbance. Methods A total of 147 individuals with cancer were screened. Participants who reported sleep disturbances and were at low-moderate risk for intrinsic sleep abnormalities were given self-managed cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (SMCBT-I). Those reporting sleep disturbance and scoring at high risk of intrinsic sleep abnormalities (i.e., restless leg syndrome and obstructive sleep apnoea) were referred to a specialist sleep clinic. In both groups, participants received a stepped-up group CBT-I intervention (GCBT-I) if they continued to report sleep disturbance following SMCBT-I or the specialist sleep clinic. Results Overall, 87 participants reported sleep disturbance or screened at risk for intrinsic sleep abnormality. Thirty-four were referred to a specialist sleep clinic, and of the 17 who declined this referral, 14 were rereferred to SMCBT-I. In total, 62 participants were referred to SMCBT-I, and 56 commenced SMCBT-I. At post-intervention, the SMCBT-I group showed a significant decline in insomnia symptoms (p < .001, d = 1.01). Five participants who reported sleep disturbance after SMCBT-I and/or the specialist sleep clinic, accepted GCBT-I. Those who received the GCBT-I showed a significant reduction in insomnia symptoms (p < .01, d = 3.13). Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of a stepped-care intervention for sleep disturbances in people with cancer. Implications for cancer survivors A stepped-care intervention for sleep disturbance is a feasible and potentially effective method of addressing a significant and unmet patient need.