Cancer patients face both physical symptoms and psychological distress, with about 50% experiencing clinically significant anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances that can worsen treatment outcomes and quality of life. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy often intensify these mental health challenges. Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation practice, may be especially helpful for patients undergoing intensive treatments where physical limitations or stress are pronounced. The editorial discusses Yoga Nidra as a non-invasive, cost-effective, and accessible complementary therapy that shows promise for alleviating psychological distress and improving sleep quality in cancer patients, reflecting growing medical interest in holistic approaches to cancer care.
Meditation retreats, which combine intensive practice with intentional rest, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing emotional resilience. Physical benefits include reduced inflammatory markers and improved metabolic health. These retreats offer sustainable benefits beyond traditional leisure activities and are positioned as a promising tool in preventive healthcare. Challenges such as varied formats, limited follow-up, and accessibility issues limit broader application. Further research is needed to standardise protocols and evaluate cost-effectiveness.