Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in breast cancer: A meta-analysis

Insomnia is highly prevalent among patients with breast cancer (BC). Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is available in integrative oncology settings, it poses unique challenges for BC survivors. Our review aimed to assess the evidence for the therapeutic effects of CBT-I on insomnia in BC. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included patients/survivors with BC and insomnia, and at least one validated self-report measure of sleep quality were included in the review. Of the 14 included RCTs (total N = 1363), the most common components incorporated in CBT-I interventions were sleep hygiene, stimulus control and sleep restriction. Pooled effect sizes favored CBT-I at post-intervention (Hedges' g = -0.779, 95% CI = -0.949, -0.609), short-term follow-up (within six months, Hedges' g = -0.653, 95% CI = -0.808, -0.498), and long-term follow-up (12 mo, Hedges' g = -0.335, 95% CI = -0.532, -0.139). In sub-analyses, CBT-I had similar effect sizes regardless of potential modifiers (comparison design, delivery formats, etc.). As an integrative oncology intervention, CBT-I is efficacious for reducing insomnia and improving sleep quality in women treated for BC, with medium-to-large effect sizes that persist after intervention delivery ends. Given the variability in the CBT-I components tested in RCTs, future studies should investigate the optimal integration of CBT-I components for managing insomnia during BC survivorship. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Y

Automated summary

Insomnia is highly prevalent in breast cancer patients, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be effective in reducing insomnia and improving sleep quality in women treated for breast cancer. The study found that CBT-I had significant effects at post-intervention, short-term follow-up, and long-term follow-up. Future research should focus on investigating the optimal integration of CBT-I components to manage insomnia during breast cancer survivorship.