The short version
- Sleepio (for insomnia) and Daylight (for worry and anxiety) are digital programmes based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Through Macmillan, both are free for anyone living with or beyond cancer in the UK, with no prescription or referral needed.1
- NICE recommends Sleepio as a treatment for insomnia in primary care.2
At a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Provided by | Big Health, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support |
| Who it’s for | Anyone living with or beyond cancer in the UK |
| Format | App or website, used in your own time |
| Cost | Free through Macmillan |
| How to join | Sign up through the Macmillan links on Macmillan’s or Sleepio’s website. No referral needed |
Information from Macmillan, checked November 2026.1
Sleepio: for sleep problems
Sleepio is a digital CBT programme for insomnia. It helps you change the thoughts and habits that keep you awake, using short weekly sessions and a sleep diary.
- NICE recommends Sleepio for treating insomnia and insomnia symptoms in primary care.2
- A trial presented in October 2026, in women with cancer and insomnia (most had breast cancer), found that Sleepio led to better sleep than sleep education alone, and also improved fatigue, mood, anxiety and hot flushes.3
Read more on our sleep problems page.
Daylight: for worry and anxiety
Daylight is a digital programme based on CBT techniques to help you manage worry and anxiety.1 It may help if you’re anxious about treatment, scans, or the cancer coming back. See living with fear of recurrence.
Who it might suit
- You have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, or worry is getting in the way of daily life.
- You’d like to work through a programme in your own time, from home.
Things to know
- These are self-guided programmes. They work best if you stick with them for several weeks.
- They’re not a replacement for urgent help. If you feel very low or are thinking about harming yourself, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call Samaritans free on 116 123.
- If anxiety or low mood doesn’t improve, ask your GP or team about psychological support, or refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies in England.4
Related pages
- Sleep problems during treatment
- When fatigue doesn’t go away
- UK breast cancer tools and services directory
References
- Macmillan Cancer Support. Big Health apps: Sleepio and Daylight, free for anyone living with or beyond cancer in the UK. orders.macmillan.org.uk/products/bighealth-big-health-apps
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Sleepio to treat insomnia and insomnia symptoms (MTG70). 2022. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg70
- Brennan D, et al. Sleepio After Cancer (SAC) randomised trial. Presented at the ESMO Congress, October 2026 (abstract LBA91); reported by Healio. www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20261027/digital-app-immensely-powerful-in-treating-insomnia-among-women-with-cancer
- NHS. NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression. www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/