Self-help Treatment for Insomnia in Breast Cancer Patients

Self-help Treatment for Insomnia in Breast Cancer Patients

The main goal of this population-based study is to assess the efficacy of two forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat various levels of insomnia symptoms in women with breast cancer: a professionally administered form and a patient self-administered form. It is hypothesized that the two treatment conditions will be associated with significantly greater improvements in sleep, psychological distress, fatigue, cognitive functioning, and quality of life, relative to the control condition (i.e., usual care). It is also hypothesized that the magnitude of effect sizes obtained in association with treatment at each time assessment will be greater for the professionally administered treatment than the self-administered treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• To be receiving treatment for a diagnosis of breast or gynaecological cancer
• To obtain a score of 8 or higher on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) or to be using a hypnotic medication ≥ 1 night per week

Exclusion Criteria:

• To have received a diagnosis or being treated for :

  • a sleep disorder other than insomnia (e.g., sleep apnea)
  • a severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychotic disorder)
  • a severe cognitive disorder (e.g., dementia)