UNITED STATES, June 7, 2016 (SBS): Yoga can improve the sleep of people who have battled cancer, research suggests. Two 75-minute sessions a week for four weeks helps people feel less tired, while they also report better social, physical and emotional wellbeing. Researchers behind the small study said sleep problems typically occurred in 30 per cent to 60 per cent of cancer patients and survivors. This may be due to the side-effects of cancer drugs, or anxiety.
The researchers from the University of Rochester, in New York, studied 245 women who had been treated for early-stage breast cancer, with an average age of 54. All the women said they were suffering sleep problems and filled in a questionnaire about their energy and pain levels, sleep patterns, and lifestyle. After four weeks, all women were questioned again. Those who had done yoga (breathing exercises, meditation and yoga postures) reported better sleep quality, less insomnia and less fatigue.
Lead researcher Dr. Anita Peoples said: “This low-to-moderate intensity yoga was found to be very beneficial for breast cancer survivors. As yet, nothing has been found that works as well as yoga at improving quality of life among those who have suffered from the disease. It is safe, drug-free and has no side-effects.” She said the reason why yoga improves quality of life is unknown, but added: “It strengthens muscles, reduces anxiety and allows those who practice it to do more in their life.”