‘CBT-I in Cancer: We Know It Works, so Why Are We Waiting?’

Abstract

Insomnia is one of the most frequently reported and debilitating difficulties associated with cancer. Recent decades have seen a move from pharmacological interventions for insomnia, to non-pharmacological, cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT-I). Numerous clinical trials have established the effectiveness of CBT-I in the general population and more recently, in those with insomnia associated with cancer. However, despite these promising outcomes, the availability of such therapies remains limited across cancer services. Recent years have seen developments to widen access to CBT-I, including the use of internet-based resources. Such developments may offer a useful means of overcoming the availability and access issues of CBT-I for those with insomnia associated with cancer.