Sleep and Breast Cancer Connection

Did you know that lack of sleep increases your risk for breast cancer?

More and more scientific evidence points to the connection between circadian rhythm and the development of breast cancer. There are a number of epidemiological studies that show women working night shifts have a higher incidence of breast cancer. We live in a sleep deprived society while a third of us are sleeping less than 6 hours a night, and 1 and 1/2 hours less than we were 100 years ago. Yet our sleep requirements have not changed dramatically. Scientists have called a disruption of circadian clock function a Group 2A carcinogen, placing it in the same class as lead compounds and diesel exhaust fumes. 

It is clear that electric lighting and evening light levels has a strong effect on our circadian rhythm. Exposure to light at night disrupts melatonin production. Melatonin is an important hormone involved in circadian rhythmic processes. It plays an important role in cancer treatment and prevention. Melatonin helps regulate other hormones, acts as an immune modulator and helps with estrogen metabolism. People with diminished levels of melatonin are at much higher risk for developing cancer, particularly hormone related cancers.  

To help with sleep and to naturally increase your melatonin levels, I would recommend the following:

• Sleep in a dark room.
• Cover your window so that there is no exposure to streetlights. 
• Avoid any internal light, for instance - the clock next to your bed. 
• Limit your exposure to light for at least an hour prior to going to bed, this means turn your TV and computer off and dim your lights prior to going to bed.

Sleep is vital to life and plays an important role in disease prevention. If you want to dramatically reduce your risk of breast cancer make sure you get good quality and plenty of sleep.