Cohen, L., Warneke, C., Fouladi, R. T., Rodriguez, M. A., & Chaoul-Reich, A. (2004). Psychological adjustment and sleep quality in a randomized trial of the effects of a Tibetan yoga intervention in patients with lymphoma. Cancer, 100, 2253–2260.

The Tibetan yoga (TY) intervention involved seven weekly sessions with a yoga instructor who used imagery and exercise and included four aspects:  controlled breathing and visualization, mindfulness, two types of posture, and daily practice. Outcomes were psychological adjustment, sleep, and fatigue.

• The sample comprised 39 (final N = 38) patients with lymphoma.
• Mean age was 51 years in both groups.

• Community outpatient setting affiliated with a comprehensive cancer center
• Southern United States

Patients were undergoing the active treatment and long-term follow-up phases of care.

The study used a prospective, quasiexperimental design with two groups, including a wait-list control.

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

The TY group reported significantly lower sleep disturbances scores (total PSQI) at follow-up (5.8 for TY versus 8.1 for the wait-list control). At follow-up, the TY group reported better subjective sleep quality, shorter latency, longer duration, and use of fewer sleep medications.

• The study had a small sample size.
• The study did not control for time since diagnosis.
• Methods of yoga taught may vary with instructor.
• Training in yoga is required.
• Costs are incurred for a space for the class and an instructor.