Cognitive behaviour therapy - otherwise known as "the talking cure" - could be useful in helping cancer survivors who suffer from insomnia, according to a new study.

The researchers from the sleep centre of UK academic institution the University of Glasgow suggest dealing with the behavioural and mental factors that can prevent people from getting a normal night's sleep help such patients.

Cognitive behaviour therapy was attributed to eliminating an average of 55 minutes of wakefulness per night in the study.

Participants in the trial reported a range of positive benefits as a result of the intervention, suggesting it reduced worrying about nights when no sleep is possible.

"When people with cancer receive the all clear from their cancer they want to get on with their lives... Developing chronic insomnia can be a massive shock and a barrier to recovery. It causes fatigue, depression and anxiety," Professor Colin Espie from the scientific institution said.

He suggested more information, advice and care is needed at all stages of treatment.

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• ZIMOVANE - 49.42%
  Short-term treatment of insomnia. Transient, situational or chronic insomnia and insomnia secondary to psychiatric disorders where it is debilitating or severe ...
  
  
• Zopiclone (Generic) - 49.42%
  Short-term treatment of insomnia. Transient, situational or chronic insomnia and insomnia secondary to psychiatric disorders where it is debilitating or severe ...
  
  
• MOGADON Tablets - 47.95%
  Short-term treatment of insomnia when it is severe, disabling or subjecting the individual to unacceptable distress, where daytime sedation is acceptable. An underlying cause for insomnia should be sought before deciding upon the use of benzodiazepines for symptomatic relief. Benzodiazepines are not ...
  
  
• DALMANE Capsules - 47.95%
  Short-term treatment of insomnia when it is severe, disabling or subjecting the individual to extreme distress. Dalmane is helpful in overcoming difficulties in getting to sleep and also in the problem of frequent nocturnal awakenings. Its properties make it particularly indicated where the total ...
  
  
• CIRCADIN Prolonged-release Tablets - 46.1%
  Circadin is indicated as monotherapy for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia characterised by poor quality of sleep in patients who are aged 55 or over ...
  
  
• VALIUM (anxiety) - 46.1%
  Orally, short-term treatment of anxiety that is severe or disabling occurring alone or with insomnia. Acute alcohol withdrawal. Night terrors and somnambulism in children. By injection, severe acute anxiety, muscle spasm ...