Abstract
Background
Fatigue is a troublesome symptom in cancer survivors that often results from disrupted sleep. We sought to assess whether two insomnia-focused non-pharmacological interventions are also effective for improving fatigue.
Methods
We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial comparing cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) versus acupuncture for insomnia among cancer survivors. Participants were 109 patients who reported insomnia and moderate or worse fatigue. Interventions were delivered over eight weeks. Fatigue was evaluated at baseline, week 8, and week 20 using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF). We used both mediation analysis and t-tests to explore the extent to which fatigue reduction was attributable to insomnia response.
Results
Compared to baseline, both CBT-I and acupuncture produced significant reductions in total MFSI-SF scores at week 8 (−17.1 points; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −21.1 to −13.1, and −13.2 points; 95% CI: -17.2 to -9.2, respectively, all p<0.001) and week 20 (-14.6 points; 95% CI: -18.6 to -10.6, and −14.2 points; 95% CI: -18.1 to -10.3. respectively, all p<0.001), with no significant between-group differences. MFSI-SF total scores at week 8 were significantly associated with sleep improvements in both CBT-I and acupuncture groups (p<0.001 and p=0.011, respectively). Insomnia responders demonstrated significantly greater improvements in mean MFSI-SF total scores compared with non-responders in the CBT-I group (p=0.016) but not in the acupuncture group.
Conclusion
CBT-I and acupuncture produced similar, clinically meaningful, and durable fatigue reductions in cancer survivors with insomnia, primarily through improvements in sleep. Acupuncture may also reduce fatigue through additional pathways.
Autoren
Xiaotong Li, Kevin T. Liou, Susan Chimonas, Karolina Bryl, Greta Wong, Eugenie Spiguel, Susan Q. Li, Sheila N. Garland, Ting Bao, Jun J. Mao
Journal
Integrative Medicine Research, Volume 12, Issue 1, 2023, 100922, ISSN 2213-4220, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2023.100922.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213422023000021
Kommentar
He7, MP6, Du20, Du24, Ohr: Shenmen, Sympathikus