February 17th, 2026
Memorial University is launching a national clinical trial of the iCANSleep app.
iCANSleep is an innovative and accessible smartphone application designed to help cancer survivors overcome insomnia through evidence-based, cognitive behavioural therapy. The study, led by Dr. Sheila Garland, a professor in the Department of Psychology and Discipline of Oncology at Memorial University, represents a significant advancement in making specialized sleep treatment accessible to cancer patients across Canada.
Up to 60 per cent of cancer survivors experience sleep difficulties, yet many lack access to effective treatment options.
“Insomnia is one of the most common and distressing side effects experienced by people affected by cancer,” said Dr. Garland, who is also a registered clinical psychologist and president of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology. “The iCANSleep app brings gold-standard cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia directly to patients’ fingertips, eliminating barriers like geography, cost and long wait times.”
The app delivers personalized cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, a treatment proven more effective than medication for long-term sleep improvement.
The digital platform allows users to work through structured modules at their own pace, track their sleep patterns and receive tailored recommendations — all from their smartphone.
The national clinical trial will evaluate the app’s effectiveness in improving sleep quality, reducing daytime fatigue and enhancing overall quality of life for cancer survivors.
Participants will use the app over several weeks while researchers monitor outcomes and gather feedback to refine the technology.
Dr. Garland says digital health solutions like the iCANSleep app represent the future of supportive cancer care.
“By harnessing technology, we can reach more people who need help and provide them with high-quality, evidence-based interventions when and where they need them most,” she said.
Cancer survivors across Canada experiencing insomnia are invited to participate.
Eligibility criteria and registration information are available.
The research is funded by an Emerging Scholar Award from the Canadian Cancer Society and represents collaboration among psychologists, oncologists, sleep medicine specialists and digital health experts.