Insomnia among Cancer Patients in the Real World: Optimising Treatments and Tailored Therapies

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Abstract

Background: Insomnia is commonly reported by cancer patients. Its multifaceted pathophysiology makes this symptom a complex challenge for the clinician, who should bear in mind the manifold world of causes and consequences of sleep disturbances in these patients and the importance of accurate treatment that should consider the frequent co-prescription of multiple medications. With our work, we aim to provide a tool to better master the treatment of this symptom in cancer patients, considering the gap between clinical and pharmacodynamic knowledge about the efficacy of different molecules and evidence-based prescribing. Methods: A narrative review of the studies investigating the pharmacological treatment of insomnia in cancer patients was conducted. Three hundred and seventy-six randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified through PubMed. Only publications that investigated the efficacy of the pharmacological treatment of insomnia symptoms in cancer patient were considered. Results: Among the 376 publications that were individuated, fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion in the review and were described. Pharmacological treatments were outlined, with a broad look at specific clinical situations. Conclusions: The management of insomnia in cancer patients should be personalised, as is already the case for the treatment of pain, taking into account both the pathophysiology and the other medical treatments prescribed to these patients.

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European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia

Elisabeth Hertenstein, Colin Espie, Jason Ellis … (2017)

This European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia was developed by a task force of the European Sleep Research Society, with the aim of providing clinical recommendations for the management of adult patients with insomnia. The guideline is based on a systematic review of relevant meta-analyses published till June 2016. The target audience for this guideline includes all clinicians involved in the management of insomnia, and the target patient population includes adults with chronic insomnia disorder. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system was used to grade the evidence and guide recommendations. The diagnostic procedure for insomnia, and its co-morbidities, should include a clinical interview consisting of a sleep history (sleep habits, sleep environment, work schedules, circadian factors), the use of sleep questionnaires and sleep diaries, questions about somatic and mental health, a physical examination and additional measures if indicated (i.e. blood tests, electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram; strong recommendation, moderate- to high-quality evidence). Polysomnography can be used to evaluate other sleep disorders if suspected (i.e. periodic limb movement disorder, sleep-related breathing disorders), in treatment-resistant insomnia, for professional at-risk populations and when substantial sleep state misperception is suspected (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence). Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is recommended as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults of any age (strong recommendation, high-quality evidence). A pharmacological intervention can be offered if cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is not sufficiently effective or not available. Benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine receptor agonists and some antidepressants are effective in the short-term treatment of insomnia (≤4 weeks; weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence). Antihistamines, antipsychotics, melatonin and phytotherapeutics are not recommended for insomnia treatment (strong to weak recommendations, low- to very-low-quality evidence). Light therapy and exercise need to be further evaluated to judge their usefulness in the treatment of insomnia (weak recommendation, low-quality evidence). Complementary and alternative treatments (e.g. homeopathy, acupuncture) are not recommended for insomnia treatment (weak recommendation, very-low-quality evidence).

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Prevalence of Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Psychological Distress among Populations Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Jude Mary Cénat, Camille Blais-Rochette, Cyrille Kossigan Kokou-Kpolou … (2020)

Highlights • Infectious disease outbreaks are associated with mental health symptoms and disorders • Pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and psychological distress were 15.97%, 15.15%, 23,87%, 21.94%, and 13.29%, respectively • No significant differences were observed for gender, geographical regions, and healthcare workers (except for insomnia, which was more prevalent among healthcare workers) • This study provides findings that will guide research and the development of better mental health programs during and after the pandemic

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Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians.

Amir Qaseem, Devan Kansagara, Mary Forciea … (2016)

The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed this guideline to present the evidence and provide clinical recommendations on the management of chronic insomnia disorder in adults.