In a pilot randomized controlled trial, twenty-two Guillain-Barré syndrome patients were assigned to either a yoga group receiving relaxation, pranayama, and guided meditation plus usual rehabilitation, or a control group receiving only usual care. Over three weeks, the yoga group showed significantly improved sleep quality compared to the control group. Pain, anxiety, depression, and overall functional status improved in both groups, but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. The findings suggest that adding yogic practices to standard rehabilitation can enhance sleep quality in GBS patients.
During the COVID-19 lockdown in India, people who practiced yoga reported less anxiety, stress, and fear, and had better coping strategies compared to those who did not practice yoga. Yoga practitioners also showed better physical ability, endurance, and sleep quality, while being less likely to use substances or eat unhealthy food. Among yoga practitioners, those who meditated had relatively better mental health. The findings suggest that incorporating yoga into daily routines may help reduce stress and improve immunity, potentially lowering COVID-19 risk if specific protocols are implemented through a global public health initiative.