Mindfulness-based programmes may help women with cancer manage insomnia and improve sleep quality, according to a review of 39 studies examining the effectiveness of these interventions during and after cancer treatment.
Sleep disturbances are common among cancer patients, with insomnia affecting an estimated 30% to 50% of individuals during treatment. Women are particularly vulnerable, prompting researchers to explore non-medication approaches to managing sleep-related difficulties.
The review examined research involving adult women diagnosed with cancer who participated in mindfulness-based interventions. Researchers searched eight scientific databases up to January 2026. Of the 39 studies included, 24 were randomised controlled trials, while 18 were conducted in the United States. Breast cancer survivors represented the largest participant group.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) was the most frequently used intervention, generally delivered through programmes lasting six to eight weeks. Some initiatives were conducted online or through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions.
Most studies reported improvements in sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms. Participants also frequently experienced improvements in fatigue. However, findings related to pain were inconsistent, while objective sleep assessments produced varied results.
Researchers cautioned that differences in programme formats, duration and assessment methods make it difficult to establish how effective mindfulness is across different patient groups. The evidence was also largely concentrated on women with early-stage breast cancer, limiting its applicability to those undergoing active treatment or living with advanced cancer.
The authors recommended considering mindfulness as part of supportive cancer care, particularly for women experiencing insomnia alongside fatigue or emotional distress. However, persistent or severe sleep problems require proper clinical assessment, with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) remaining an important treatment option.
