Memorial University of Newfoundland is launching a national clinical trial of iCANSleep, an innovative mobile app designed to help cancer survivors overcome insomnia through evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy.
The study, led by Dr. Sheila Garland, full professor in the departments of psychology and the discipline of oncology at Memorial University, represents an important step forward in making specialized sleep treatments accessible to cancer patients across Canada. Up to 60% of cancer survivors experience sleep problems, but many do not have access to effective treatment options.
“Insomnia is one of the most common and distressing side effects for people affected by cancer,” says Dr. Sheila Garland, also a registered clinical psychologist and president of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology. “The iCANSleep app brings gold-standard cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia to patients, eliminating barriers such as geographic distance, cost and long wait times. »
The iCANSleep app offers personalized cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, a treatment that has been shown to be more effective than medication in improving long-term sleep. The digital platform allows users to follow structured modules at their own pace, monitor their sleep habits and receive personalized recommendations — all directly on their smartphone.
The national clinical trial will evaluate the app’s effectiveness in improving sleep quality, reducing daytime fatigue and increasing the overall quality of life of cancer survivors. Participants will use the app for several weeks, while researchers monitor the results and collect feedback to improve the technology.
“Digital health solutions like iCANSleep represent the future of supportive cancer care,” adds Dr. Garland. “Through technology, we can reach more people who need help and deliver high-quality, evidence-based interventions when and where they need it most. »
Cancer survivors from across Canada who suffer from insomnia are invited to participate in the study. Eligibility criteria and registration information are available at www.icansleep.app.
The research is funded by the Canadian Cancer Society’s Promising Investigator Award and is a collaboration between psychologists, oncologists, sleep medicine specialists and digital health experts.
