Medically Reviewed by Donny Huynh, MD
From cigarettes to asbestos — of all the many things we face in life that are related to cancer, who would have guessed that lack of sleep might sit on that list.
“Although more research is needed, a number of studies point to a link between shift work or general lack of sleep and cancer,” says McLeod Cancer Specialist Donny Huynh, MD. “One researcher even called lack of sleep a public health hazard that might lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, as well as cancer.”
Lack of sleep and light at night seem to suppress the production of melatonin. Melatonin could increase the release of estrogen in women. In both men and women, inhibited melatonin production can spark genetic mutations, reduce DNA repair and suppress a person’s immune system.
Statistics from several studies point to a connection (although not necessarily cause and effect) between night work or lack of sleep and cancer:
ACTION YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP YOU SLEEP
Numerous sources list some or all of these ideas to help you get to sleep and stay asleep at night:
In today’s work, here may be some of the most difficult advice to adhere to:
Have a question? Ask a Cancer Specialist.
Sources include: McLeod Health, Journal of Cancer, Sleep Foundation, Breast Cancer Research & Treatment, Environmental Health Perspectives, American Association of Cancer Research, US Dept. of Health & Human Services