It is not uncommon for cancer survivors to experience various side effects that result from the disease itself as well as their course of treatment. Often times these consequences last long after therapy has ended and can significantly affect their quality of life.

 Included in this is inability to get enough sleep and as a consequence, suffering from chronic fatigue. By some estimates, as many as two-thirds of cancer survivors must endure months or even years of sleep issues, and many of them find that sleep aids offer no respite from the suffering. Indeed, currently there are not many effective ways to address this problem.

Now, however, doctors are reporting that cancer survivors are able to sleep better after they've performed gentle forms of yoga. As a result, they feel much better. In the largest study of its kind, researchers looked at 410 early-stage cancer survivors between 2006 and 2009. The group was comprised mostly of women who had recovered from breast cancer and was divided into those that attended a special yoga program twice a week, and a control group that did not.

What they found was that after four weeks, the subjects who took part in yoga experienced better quality sleep while also decreasing their use of sleep medications. Conversely, the control group reported an increase in their use of sleep medication and indicated that their sleep quality had declined.

The reason that yoga may be helpful is believed to be rooted in the breathing techniques employed, as well as the postures and mindfulness that are an integral part of the yoga experience. However, researchers do not discount the possibility that other biological and psychological pathways may in fact be involved. Support for this idea stems from the fact that yoga can be effective in promoting relaxation by reducing stress and anxiety, both of which can stand in the way of a good night's sleep.

The yoga program used in the study was specially designed by the researchers and included Hatha and restorative yoga postures, as well as mindful breathing exercises. Implementation of the techniques were overseen by Yoga Alliance-certified instructors.

It is important to note that any clear conclusions concerning the benefits of yoga are hard to make due to the small size of the study as well the difficulty in maintaining consistency in the yoga techniques. However, the initial results are promising, especially in light of the fact that yoga may potentially decrease a person's dependence on sleep medication, which can sometimes have adverse side effects.

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and its level of popularity in this country makes it more than simply a trend. Yoga is in fact a gentle and non-invasive way to improve numerous aspects of our physical well-being, including flexibility, muscle strength, and posture.

If you are interested in yoga, speak with your doctor about your options. For more information about the health benefits, visit MedicineNet.com.