Non-Pharmacological Management of Insomnia in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in cancer patients, characterized by a reduction in the quality or quantity of sleep. It can lead to fatigue, mood disturbances, and may contribute to immunosuppression, affecting both disease progression and quality of life. Materials and methods. In an attempt to answer the question: “Does non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia improve the quality of life in cancer patients?”, we conducted a systematic search in the international databases PubMed and ScienceDirect, following the PRISMA guidelines. The search keywords were “insomnia,” “sleep disorders,” “cancer,” and “quality of life.” Results. The systematic review included eight randomized trials that evaluated the effect of non-pharmacological therapies on insomnia and quality of life in oncology patients. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment with proven efficacy. Variants of CBT delivered through online platforms were found to be non-inferior in studies involving small patient groups. Another alternative treatment is acupuncture, which, while not as effective as CBT, improves sleep quality and enhances quality of life. Physical exercise, dance, nutrition programs, and psychological counseling also improve sleep and enhance quality of life compared to the usual hospital approaches. Conclusions. Non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia improves the quality of life in cancer patients.