Sleep dysfunction in patients with cancer.

Sleep complaints are common in cancer patients. Insomnia is particularly a concern in this population. Although pharmacotherapy is the most prescribed treatment for sleep disturbances, there is evidence that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for insomnia in all patients, including those with cancer. CBT for insomnia is a flexible treatment, tailored to the needs of a specific patient, and focusing on behavioral and psychologic skills that foster better sleep and lower anxiety. Many cancer patients with insomnia may be hesitant to use drugs for their sleep treatment because they are already overwhelmed by the chemical and pharmacologic treatments they are prescribed for the cancer; thus, CBT may become the treatment of choice for insomnia in these patients.