Half of All Cancer Patients Have Insomnia — Here’s What Experts Suggest Actually Works

Simply the stress of having a potentially devastating disease like cancer is enough to keep you up all night. But, insomnia can also be a side effect of some cancer treatments, creating a weakened system and “feedback loop” of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and a generally heavier burden for patients, researchers share. A 2022 study found that insomnia is the second most common complication from cancer. (1)

A new study proposal from China aims to improve this cancer side effect, and to determine the potential impact of non-phramacological treatments such as exercise therapy, relaxation therapy, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). (2) They share evidence that cancer patients are increasingly seeking these types of natural treatments to relieve insomnia.

“There is no definitive evidence to compare the efficacy of these non-pharmacological treatments… and the quality of relevant literature is variable,” researchers shared, proposing conducting a “comprehensive quantitative analysis” to investigate a range of treatments. They add that they won’t be studying a specific cancer type, but looking across multiple types of cancer patients in hopes that the findings will more generally apply to more people.

This potential study is notable because other studies, researchers share, use long referenced tools, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), as outcome indicators. But, as they shared, “insomnia is not an isolated symptom.” So, this comprehensive look at non-drug related treatments could give cancer patients more options. 

The National Cancer Institute shares a variety of reasons cancer patients might struggle with insomnia, and also abnormal sleep and wake cycles, including: 

• “Physical changes caused by cancer or surgery.
• Side effects of drugs or other treatments.
• Being in the hospital.
• Stress about having cancer.
• Health problems not related to cancer.”

This proposal would add to a body of research looking at various aspects of cancer-related insomnia and potential solutions. A 2021 study found that cancer-related insomnia (CRI) affects between 52 percent and 67 percent of cancer complications. (3) This is 2 to 3 times higher when compared to those without cancer. A 2021 study found that sleep deprivation can amplify the physical suffering of cancer patients. (4) Another 2021 study found that breast cancer patients benefitted from non-pharmacological interventions. (5)

Aside from and often including cancer patients, sleep doctors know a few things for sure. First, there’s a strong link between exercise and sleep. They have even looked at the best exercises to do right before bed. In addition, nearly everyone can benefit from a look at sleep hygiene practices, though it won’t solve all the problems for people suffering from cancer symptoms and related insomnia. But, these practices are worth a try:

• Observe a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
• Try to decrease stress and relax in the evening, avoid stimulating activities, work, and rigorous exercise.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods before bed
• Sleep in a dark, cool, quiet environment with minimal distractions

And, if you find the mental load of dealing with cancer or another serious illness feels like too much to handle, reach out to the NCI’s resource page of reliable cancer information services for a variety of help from coping resources to treatment options.

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Alexandra Frost

Alexandra Frost is a Cincinnati-based freelance journalist, content marketing writer, copywriter, and editor focusing on health and wellness, parenting, real estate, business, education, and lifestyle. Away from the keyboard, Alex is also mom to her four sons under age 7, who keep things chaotic, fun, and interesting. For over a decade she has been helping publications and companies connect with readers and bring high-quality information and research to them in a relatable voice.  She has been published in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Glamour, Shape, Today's Parent, Reader's Digest, Parents, Women's Health, and Insider.