A Memorial University professor is receiving national recognition for her work on treating sleep disturbances for people with cancer.

Psychology and oncology professor Dr. Sheila Garland has been awarded the Canadian Cancer Society’s William E. Rawls Prize, which recognizes work in cancer control research.

It comes along with $20,000 in funding for her work.

Garland says up to 60% of people diagnosed with cancer have trouble sleeping, which can affect recovery.

One aspect of her work has been the development of the iCANSleep app, which can help patients with their insomnia.

Garland says being on the receiving end of such an honour comes “very rarely.”

She says part of conducting clinically relevant research involves applying for a lot of grants, many of which don’t get funded, so when funding does come her way it is “surprising.” She says it is also “rewarding” to see her work get recognized for its value and impact.