Sleep Management in Cancer Survivors

A Pilot Study of Three Short-term Intervention Programs for Sleep Management in Cancer Survivors

The pilot project will investigate three short-term intervention programs for sleep management in cancer survivors in a randomized controlled clinical study. Three programs to be examined in the study are:

1. the mind-body bridging program (MBBP),
2. mindfulness meditation program (MMP), and
3. sleep education program (SEP).

This pilot randomized study investigates whether the two awareness training programs (ATP), MBBP and MMP are effective in improving sleep disturbance and in reducing stress in post-treatment cancer patients. The two experimental conditions and the SEP control will each comprise 3 sessions of 2 hr. duration and conducted over 3 consecutive weeks (Week 1-3).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Selection of subjects will be based on their exhibiting sleep disturbance as assessed by a validated sleep questionnaire (MOS Sleep Scale, Hayes et al, 2005).
2. Participant is willing to be randomized to any one of the three interventions, will be willing to attend all three classes, complete self-report questionnaires and collect saliva samples, at pre- and post- treatment, weekly intervals and 2-3 months follow-up.
3. Participant must be English speaking and comprehend information presented during the course of study, including the consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Underlying psychiatric illness, such as severe or untreated psychopathology (e.g. schizophrenia), or cognitive impairments, neurologic disorders, or dementia.
2. Use of psychotropic medication for any of the above, and for any other unspecified condition.
3. Has had previous exposure to MBBP or MBSR/MMP.
4. Incidence of metastatic cancer
5. Currently taking immuno-suppressants and/or corticosteroids.
6. Compromised physical health, in which individual has impaired mobility: unable to carry out movement exercises, cannot lie down on the floor, kneel, get up from the floor to a standing position.
7. Individuals who are considered at the 'end-of-life' stage of their cancer.