Restoring rest: exploring yoga’s influence on sleep quality in cancer patients

Abstract

Sleep disturbances are prevalent among cancer patients, significantly impacting their quality of life and prognosis. Yoga, an ancient mind-body practice, is increasingly recognized for its potential to improve sleep quality in this population. This narrative review explores yoga's impact on sleep quality in cancer patients, examining mechanisms, scientific evidence, and implications for future research and clinical practice. Yoga enhances sleep through psychological and physiological mechanisms. Practices like asanas, pranayama, and meditation activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Additionally, yoga promotes mindfulness, helping individuals manage psychological distress and improve sleep quality by reducing rumination and anxiety. Numerous studies, including randomized controlled trials, demonstrate significant improvements in sleep parameters among cancer patients practicing yoga. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews further support these findings, highlighting yoga's broad applicability and effectiveness. However, existing research has methodological limitations, such as variability in intervention protocols and reliance on self-reported sleep measures. Future research should focus on larger, more diverse populations and employ objective sleep assessments to validate findings. Investigating long-term effects and identifying effective practices for different patient subgroups are essential. In conclusion, yoga holds significant potential as a therapeutic intervention for improving sleep quality in cancer patients. Integrating yoga into standard cancer care can effectively address sleep disturbances and enhance well-being. Ongoing research and innovative approaches are needed to fully harness yoga's therapeutic potential, ensuring evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes.