Yoga's Cancer Benefit?

Yoga may offer a solution to a lingering problem that affects many cancer survivors. Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines, host of HealthDay TV.

Nearly half of people with cancer have trouble sleeping, according to the National Cancer Institute. Being in pain or feeling sick can lead to sleep problems, and so can some medications and other cancer treatments.
According to researchers at the University of Rochester in New York, cancer survivors commonly have sleep problems even after their treatments end. They recently conducted a study that included 410 cancer survivors who had sleeping problems that lasted for months or years after treatment.

Some of the participants were enrolled in a four-week yoga program designed for cancer survivors. They practiced breathing and meditation and performed a variety of yoga poses. According to the researchers, the people who went through the program reported better sleep quality, less need for sleeping medications, less fatigue, and a better quality of life. As the lead researcher pointed out, most treatments for sleep problems in cancer survivors don't work well. However, yoga is a simple, non-drug approach that people may wish to discuss with their doctors. I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.