Simeit, R., Deck, R., & Conta-Marx, B. (2004). Sleep management training for cancer patients with insomnia. Supportive Care in Cancer, 12, 176–183.

DOI Link

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

This multimodal psychological sleep management program combined relaxation techniques (progressive muscle relaxation [PMR] or autogenic training [AT]; sleep hygiene; cognitive techniques; and advice) in stimulus control techniques. Outcomes were sleep and quality of life (QOL).

Sample Characteristics

  • Of the patients, 80 were in the PMR group, 71 were in the AT group, and 78 were in the control group.
  • The study included a mixed sample of adults, with a mean age of 58 years, who predominantly had breast, kidney, or prostate cancer.

Setting

  • Three to four weeks’ length of stay in an oncology rehabilitation clinic
  • Germany

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

Patients were undergoing the long-term follow-up phase of care.

Study Design

The study used a quasiexperimental design, with sequential recruitment of groups and patient choice for PMR or AT.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), German Translation

Results

No statistically significant difference was found between the PMR and AT groups. Improvement was noted in the intervention groups regarding sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep medication (decreased), and daytime dysfunction.

Limitations

  • Use of a validated tool validity of German translation was not addressed.
  • The study was not randomized.
  • Staff must be trained in AT, PMR, and other intervention techniques.