Research Area
Mindfulness, and Yoga in Patients With Breast Cancer
Research Title
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, Mindfulness, and Yoga in Patients With Breast Cancer
Introduction
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition), insomnia disorder is defined as the “dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality” associated with difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep that causes clinically significant distress or impairment, occurs despite an adequate opportunity for sleep and occurs at least 3 nights per week for at least 3months, is not attributable to the physiological effects of a drug/medication, another sleep-wake disorder, or comorbid mental health and/or medical conditions1.
Abstract
The number of patients with breast cancer diagnosed with sleep disturbance has grown substantially within the United States over the past 20years. Meanwhile, there have been significant improvements in the psychological treatment of sleep disturbance in patients with breast cancer. More specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), mindfulness, and yoga have shown to be 3 promising treatments with varying degrees of benefit, supporting data, and inherent limitations. In this article, we will outline the treatment approach for sleep disturbance in patients with breast cancer and conduct a comprehensive review of CBT-I, mindfulness, and yoga as they pertain to this patient population.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and sleep disturbance is one of the most common complaints among women with this diagnosis. Interventions to
improve sleep could improve QOL and productivity and could reduce comorbidities and decrease use of health care resources. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, mindfulness, and yoga are 3 behavioral health interventions that have been recommended in the treatment of sleep disturbance in patients with cancer.
