Digital CBTi shows the largest reduction in insomnia severity among cancer survivors compared to other delivery methods
In a network meta-analysis of 22 RCTs involving 2040 cancer patients, digital CBTi (dCBTi) demonstrated the largest reduction in insomnia severity index (ISI) scores compared to treatment as usual (MD = -9.70, 95% CI = -10.80 to -8.61), followed by telephone CBTi (MD = -8.74). dCBTi also significantly improved sleep onset latency (-30.95 min), wake after sleep onset (-25.62 min), total sleep time (+31.67 min), and sleep efficiency (+14.63%). However, the certainty of evidence was low to very low due to imprecision and network incoherence.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Digital CBTi shows the largest reduction in insomnia severity among cancer survivors compared to other delivery methods The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Digital CBTi shows the largest reduction in insomnia severity among cancer survivors compared to other delivery methods
This conclusion is most relevant to: Adult cancer survivors with insomnia (mean age not specified, but includes various cancer types, with breast cancer as a moderator).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Comparative Effects of Various Delivery Methods of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Among Patients With Cancers: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. (Psycho-oncology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸CBTi targets maladaptive sleep behaviors and cognitive arousal
- ▸Digital delivery increases accessibility and adherence
- ▸Improved sleep onset and maintenance
- ▸Reduced insomnia severity
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Adult cancer survivors with insomnia (mean age not specified, but includes various cancer types, with breast cancer as a moderator)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Low to very low certainty of evidence due to imprecision and network incoherence
- ▸Meta-regression identified breast cancer as a moderator, but other cancer types may respond differently
- ▸No head-to-head trials directly comparing delivery modes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective delivery method for CBTi in cancer survivors?▼
According to this network meta-analysis, digital CBTi (dCBTi) showed the largest improvement in insomnia severity and sleep parameters compared to other delivery methods, but evidence certainty is low.
How much does digital CBTi reduce insomnia severity in cancer patients?▼
Digital CBTi reduced the Insomnia Severity Index by an average of 9.70 points compared to treatment as usual, which is a clinically significant improvement.
Does digital CBTi improve sleep efficiency in cancer survivors?▼
Yes, digital CBTi improved sleep efficiency by 14.63% on average, along with reducing sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset.
Are there any moderators of digital CBTi effectiveness?▼
Breast cancer diagnosis was found to moderate the effects on sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency, suggesting that cancer type may influence outcomes.
References
- 1.Lee CI, Mukminin MA, Jan YW, Wang TH, Huang TW, Chiu HY. “Comparative Effects of Various Delivery Methods of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Among Patients With Cancers: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis..” Psycho-oncology, 2026. PMID: 42670890 DOI: 10.1002/pon.70593