Individuals with cancer are disproportionately affected by sleep disturbance and 
insomnia relative to the general population. These problems can be a consequence 
of the psychological, behavioral, and physical effects of a cancer diagnosis and 
treatment. Insomnia often persists for years and, when combined with already 
high levels of cancer-related distress, may place cancer survivors at a higher 
risk of future physical and mental health problems and poorer quality of life. 
The recommended first-line treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral 
therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a non-pharmacological treatment that incorporates 
cognitive and behavior-change techniques and targets dysfunctional attitudes, 
beliefs, and habits involving sleep. This article presents a comprehensive 
review of the literature examining the efficacy of CBT-I on sleep and 
psychological outcomes in cancer patients and survivors. The search revealed 12 
studies (four uncontrolled, eight controlled) that evaluated the effects of 
CBT-I in cancer patients or survivors. Results suggest that CBT-I is associated 
with statistically and clinically significant improvements in subjective sleep 
outcomes in patients with cancer. CBT-I may also improve mood, fatigue, and 
overall quality of life, and can be successfully delivered through a variety of 
treatment modalities, making it possible to reach a broader range of patients 
who may not have access to more traditional programs. Future research in this 
area should focus on the translation of evidence into clinical practice in order 
to increase awareness and access to effective insomnia treatment in cancer care.