Supervisor:
Program of Study:
MSc, Experimental Psychology
Project Title:
A Pilot Study of a Novel Sleep Scoring System to Measure Insomnia Treatment Response in Breast Cancer Survivors
Lay Research Summary:
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. This sleep disorder is a common side effect of cancer and cancer-related treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Individuals with cancer-related insomnia may experience impairments in cognitive functioning, such as difficulty focusing, making decisions, or remembering things. They may also experience impacts on mood, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the treatment of choice for cancer-related insomnia. However, more research is needed to find out if CBT-I improves objective sleep, such as sleep quality and depth by looking at time spent in the different sleep stages, and cognitive functioning. This study will look at whether CBT-I changes sleep quality and depth in breast cancer survivors with insomnia. To do this, we will use a new device that measures brain activity during sleep, which participants will take home to use. This study will also look at whether cognitive functioning is related to changes in sleep. Breast cancer survivors experiencing insomnia will be recruited to undergo seven weekly sessions of CBT-I. They will complete cognitive tests and use the sleep device before and after treatment. This research will provide insight into how CBT-I works to help individuals with insomnia.
Career aspirations:
After completing my master’s degree, I aim to pursue a PhD in Experimental or Clinical Psychology. My career aspirations are to primarily work in cancer research involving the mechanisms of insomnia, and the role of cognition and mood in cancer survivors.
Location:
Memorial University