Can group prayer increase social connectedness in seniors? Short answer: yes—group prayer and communal spiritual practices commonly strengthen social bonds for older adults by providing routine, shared meaning, emotional support, and opportunities for practical help[1][3][8]. Group prayer brings people together…
Religion can encourage better sleep hygiene in several ways, but its effects vary by faith tradition, personal practice, and cultural context. Religious routines often create regular schedules that support consistent sleep times. Daily prayers, set meal times tied to religious…
Prayer can help some people with chronic illness build emotional strength, reduce stress, and find meaning, and these effects can contribute to greater resilience for many patients. [1][4] Why prayer may improve resilience – Emotional regulation and stress reduction: Prayer…
Can spiritual practices help regulate blood sugar? Many people with blood sugar issues, like diabetes, turn to practices such as yoga, pranayama breathing, and meditation for support, and real-life stories plus research show promising results when combined with healthy habits.…
Is religious fasting safe for pregnant women? It depends on the woman’s health, stage of pregnancy, and religious guidelines, but medical experts often advise against it due to risks like dehydration and low blood sugar. Many Islamic scholars across major…
Religious belief can reduce hospital anxiety for many patients by providing meaning, emotional comfort, coping strategies, and social support that together lower distress during medical care[3][1]. Why and how religious belief reduces hospital anxiety – Meaning and reframing: Religious beliefs…
Can attending religious services help lower stress linked to dementia? Research points to yes, especially through spiritual practices like regular worship that promote relaxation, better sleep, and calmer brain responses to stress. People facing dementia or caring for loved ones…
Can fasting improve cardiovascular health? Research shows that certain types of fasting, like intermittent fasting, can lead to positive changes in heart-related measures such as lower resting heart rate, better cholesterol levels, and improved blood sugar control. A study on…
Yes — several studies and reviews report an association between prayer or related spiritual practices and lower cortisol or other indicators of reduced physiological stress, though findings vary by study design and population[2][3]. Why researchers think prayer might lower cortisol…
Does spirituality influence how people cope with cancer? Yes, research shows that spirituality often plays a key role in helping cancer patients manage stress, build resilience, and improve their quality of life. For many facing this tough disease, spiritual beliefs…