Does CBT-I work for people with cancer?

CBT-I is a recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia and has been studied in people with cancer. (Source coming soon.)

Why am I so tired even when I rest?

Cancer-related fatigue often doesn't respond to rest the way normal tiredness does. Pacing and better sleep can help.

Is chemo brain permanent?

For many people it improves over time. Tell your oncology team about any changes in thinking or memory.

Sleep Problems, Fatigue and Chemo Brain

Insomnia, exhaustion and "chemo brain" are some of the most common and frustrating effects of cancer and its treatment. They also make depression and anxiety worse. Our virtual IOP's Sleep & Fatigue Group teaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a structured, non-medication approach, along with practical energy pacing.

Call (857) 229-2852 Join the waitlist

A woman sitting up in bed in a dark room before dawn, seen in silhouette against the window.

Cancer-related fatigue isn't ordinary tiredness

Cancer-related fatigue is a deep exhaustion that often doesn't improve with rest. Treatment, medications, pain, poor sleep and emotional strain all contribute. Because rest alone doesn't fix it, it calls for different strategies than ordinary tiredness.

What is chemo brain?

"Chemo brain" is a common term for problems with memory, focus and thinking clearly during or after cancer treatment. It can happen with chemotherapy and other treatments. Poor sleep, fatigue, anxiety and depression can make it worse, so treating those can help. Talk with your oncology team about cognitive changes; they may recommend further evaluation.

What is CBT-I?

CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) is a short, structured treatment that changes the habits and thoughts that keep insomnia going. It includes:

Stimulus control: using your bed only for sleep and intimacy, and getting up if you can't sleep after about 20 minutes
A consistent wake time, even after a bad night
Sleep scheduling: carefully adjusting time in bed to consolidate sleep (introduced conservatively and checked with your medical team)
A wind-down routine and a "worry window" earlier in the evening for racing thoughts

The Sleep & Fatigue Group (Fridays, 9:30am)

A 4-week cycle:

Understanding cancer-related sleep problems and fatigue, and starting a simple sleep log
Stimulus control and sleep scheduling
Energy conservation and pacing: breaking out of the "push through, then crash" cycle
Relaxation and managing racing thoughts at night

Questions

Talk it through with us

Have a question about the program? Call the practice.

Call (857) 229-2852 Join the waitlist

If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.