Cannici, J., Malcolm, R., & Peek, L. A. (1983). Treatment of insomnia in cancer patients using muscle relaxation training. Journal of Behavioral Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 14, 251–256.

The intervention consisted of individual muscle relaxation training over three sessions plus instructions for home practice twice daily. Patients were either in the relaxation (n = 15) or usual care (n = 15) group. The outcome was sleep.

• The sample was comprised of 30 patients (11 men, 19 women).
• Mean age was 56 years (range 21–80).
• Patients had various cancers.

• Quiet office in the hospital, patient’s home, or patient’s hospital room
• Southeastern United States

Patients were undergoing the active treatment and long-term follow-up phases of care.

The study was a randomized, controlled trial.

Daily diary and questionnaire pertaining to sleep behavior the previous night, for a total of nine nights

Sleep-onset latency was reduced in the relaxation group compared with the usual care group; differences in sleep latency were maintained at the three-month follow-up. No differences were found in other sleep variables.

• Sleep was measured by self-reports.
• Training is needed in delivering muscle relaxation.

No cost issues existed.