Indian Study Links 45-Day Yoga Programme to Improved Memory, Sleep and Brain Connectivity

A recent Indian study has found that practising yoga regularly for 45 days may improve certain cognitive functions, emotional well-being and sleep quality, while also influencing communication between different regions of the brain. The findings, published in Scientific Reports on 9 November 2026, offer new insights into the neurological effects of structured yoga practice.

The research involved 139 healthy adults aged between 18 and 55 years, who were randomly assigned to either a yoga intervention group or a control group. Participants undergoing yoga training followed the Common Yoga Protocol, which combines physical postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and meditation.

Researchers assessed changes in participants' cognitive performance, psychological health and sleep patterns. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was also conducted on a subgroup of 43 participants to examine changes in brain connectivity.

Following the intervention, the yoga group reported improvements in positive mood, reduced negative emotions and better sleep quality compared with the control group. Certain measures of short-term verbal memory also showed improvement.

Brain imaging revealed changes in functional connectivity between neural networks associated with movement, attention and cognitive processing. These observations suggest that regular yoga practice may influence how different brain regions communicate and coordinate their activities.

However, the researchers cautioned that the findings remain preliminary. Larger studies involving longer follow-up periods are needed to determine whether the observed benefits are sustained and to better understand the underlying neurological mechanisms.

The study adds to growing scientific research examining yoga's potential influence on cognitive health, emotional regulation and overall brain functioning.

10-11-2026