Memorial University’s Dr. Sheila Garland is making a presentation this evening on the importance of sleep for survival rates in cancer patients.

Garland says people diagnosed with cancer are two to three times more likely to experience insomnia.

She will outline the importance of sleep, the effects of insomnia and ways to improve thoughts, behaviours and emotions that can make it difficult to sleep.

Garland says about 10 to 15 percent of the general population can suffer from insomnia, but among those diagnosed with cancer, the rate jumps to 30 to 50 per cent.

She says a cancer diagnosis and treatment comes with a range of disruptions and fears, not to mention pain, hot flashes and fatigue. That’s why cancer patients have higher rates of insomnia.

Dr. Garland will make her presentation at Wooden Walls Distilling on Harbour Drive in St. John’s this evening at 7:00.