Memorial University Unveils App Aiming to Ease Insomnia in Cancer Survivors
Memorial University is rolling out an innovative app designed to support cancer survivors who struggle with sleeplessness. The app, named iCANSleep and accessible at https://icansleep.app/, uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques delivered via a smartphone platform to help users overcome sleep difficulties.
The project’s clinical trial is led by Dr. Sheila Garland from MUN’s Department of Psychology and the Discipline of Oncology. She notes that as many as 60 percent of cancer survivors contend with trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, a problem that often goes untreated due to limited access to sleep care.
According to Dr. Garland, iCANSleep offers personalized CBT and has shown greater effectiveness for long-term sleep improvement than medication. She describes the development work over the past four years as “a labour of love.”
A key objective of the app is to bridge gaps in access to trained sleep interventions, addressing barriers caused by geographical distance or a shortage of qualified providers in a given region. By delivering tailored therapy through a mobile device, the program aims to reach survivors who might not otherwise receive timely support for insomnia.
