Narrative interventions improve sleep quality in patients with cancer
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials found that narrative interventions significantly improved sleep quality in cancer patients (Hedge's g = 1.292, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.04, p = 0.005). The evidence for this outcome was rated as low quality. The analysis included studies from China, the USA, and Spain conducted between 2011 and 2025.
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.
Narrative interventions improve sleep quality in patients with cancer The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 49/100 (low).
The Claim
Narrative interventions improve sleep quality in patients with cancer
This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients with cancer (from 11 RCTs in China, USA, and Spain).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effect of narrative interventions on psychological outcomes, sleep quality and quality of life in patients with cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Narrative interventions facilitate emotional expression and cognitive processing of cancer-related distress
- ▸Reduced psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, depression) may improve sleep regulation
- ▸Enhanced self-efficacy and psychological resilience may promote adaptive sleep behaviors
- ▸Result: Improved sleep quality scores
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Patients with cancer (from 11 RCTs in China, USA, and Spain)
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Low-quality evidence for sleep quality due to risk of bias and heterogeneity across studies
- ▸Limited generalizability as most studies were conducted in China (8 of 11 RCTs)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are narrative interventions in cancer care?▼
Narrative interventions include expressive writing, storytelling, or guided narrative therapy that help patients articulate their cancer experiences to process emotions and improve psychological well-being.
How much did sleep quality improve with narrative interventions?▼
The meta-analysis reported a large effect size (Hedge's g = 1.292) for sleep quality improvement, but the evidence quality was low, so results should be interpreted cautiously.
Were there any side effects of narrative interventions?▼
The abstract does not report any adverse effects; narrative interventions are generally considered low-risk psychological interventions.
Can narrative interventions replace standard cancer treatments?▼
No, narrative interventions are complementary psychosocial approaches and are not intended to replace medical treatments for cancer.
References
- 1.Çetiner E, Turan Kavradim S, Özer Z. “Effect of narrative interventions on psychological outcomes, sleep quality and quality of life in patients with cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials..” European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society, 2026. PMID: 42398395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2026.103259