Androgen Deprivation and Sleep Disturbance: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study of Remote Assessment and Intervention

Men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PC) are at risk for cardiovascular comorbidities and cognitive changes. Interventional research involves in-person assessment of physical fitness/activity and cognitive function, which has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Androgen deprivation therapy-related hot flashes and nocturia increase risk for insomnia. Insomnia is associated with fatigue and may exacerbate ADT-related cognitive changes.

The purpose of this mixed-methods pilot was to (1) determine feasibility/acceptability of remotely assessing physical fitness/activity, cognitive function, and sleep; (2) deliver telehealth cognitive behavioral training for insomnia (teleCBT-I) to improve sleep; and (3) garner qualitative feedback to refine remote procedures and teleCBT-I content.

Fifteen men with PC receiving ADT completed a 4-week teleCBT-I intervention. Videoconferencing was used to complete study assessments and deliver the weekly teleCBT-I intervention.

Self-report of sleep quality improved ( P < .001) as did hot flash frequency ( P = .04) and bother ( P = .025). Minimal clinically important differences were detected for changes in insomnia severity and sleep quality. All sleep logs indicated improvement in sleep efficiency. Remote assessment of fitness/cognitive function was demonstrated for 100% of participants. Sufficient actigraph wear time allowed physical activity/sleep assessment for 80%. Sleep actigraphy did not demonstrate significant changes.

Remote monitoring and teleCBT-I are feasible/acceptable to men with PC on ADT. Further research to confirm teleCBT-I efficacy is warranted in this population.

Preliminary efficacy for teleCBT-I interventions was demonstrated. Remote assessments of physical fitness/activity, sleep, and cognitive function may enhance clinical trial access for rural or economically disadvantaged PC survivors.