For cancer survivors, yoga may boost energy and aid sleep

Source: CNN Health; May 2010

A recent study funded by the National Cancer Institute shows that yoga can help offset the sleeping problems that many cancer survivors experience. The study is particularly encouraging for cancer survivors who have been hesitant about taking sleep medications (for a wide variety of reasons) and who are, consequently, suffering from chronic fatigue.

Participants in the study engaged in low-intensity yoga routines and reported significant increase in their energy levels compared to those who were not doing yoga. Although further studies are necessary in order to understand more fully the ways in which yoga affects the body and minds of cancer survivors, researchers did note that the breathing techniques used in yoga seemed to alleviate the anxiety, nausea, and pain that are commonly experiences for those who have battled cancer.