Sleep disturbance increases the risk of malignant tumors
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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At Harvard University, one study was conducted aimed at studying sleep disorders. As a result, scientists came to the conclusion that sleeping problems increase the risk of cancer. Women are more likely to develop breast cancer, and men are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. All the data obtained were announced at the annual conference organized by the American Association for the Research of Cancer Formations.
The research in this field lasted seven years, all the works were conducted in Iceland, where more than 900 volunteers were selected. All participants in the experiment were regularly examined from 2002 to 2009. All volunteers had disturbances with sleep for at least several years. In 111 participants, scientists discovered prostate cancer, of which 24 people developed a disease quickly and already posed a threat to life.
Simultaneously, a similar study was conducted for women who suffered from insomnia or other forms of sleep disturbance. As it turned out, the women's organism was also exposed to the development of cancerous tumors and oncology, mainly, affected the mammary glands.
The scientists explain the results quite simply. In the human body, lack of sleep leads to the fact that the level of melatonin decreases. This hormone also has the name "night hormone" and it is produced only by a sleeping person. The hormone is a natural hypnotic and helps the body to relax more quickly. Additional studies have established that the higher the melatonin level in the body, the lower the risk of cancer development.
In order to normalize the level of the hormone, scientists recommend correcting the regime of the day so that the night rest lasts not less than 7 hours, and in case if there are sleep disturbances, immediately seek the help of an appropriate specialist. Usually, insomnia at the initial stage is treated quite simply, in most cases it helps to make some changes in the way of life and the problem disappears by itself.
Usually, for insomnia, doctors recommend limiting (or completely abandoning) products containing caffeine (coffee, chocolate, cola, some types of tea). Supper is best served with vegetable, milk dishes no less than three hours before bedtime. Before going to bed, it is better not to take any medications (except for sedatives only). Before going to bed, it's good to walk 20-30 minutes outdoors, and it's better to refuse watching movies, reading books and video games. The bed should be quite comfortable, which will not only normalize sleep, but also avoid a number of problems with the musculoskeletal system. Sleep is recommended without nightlights, with well-closed windows, as melatonin is more actively produced in the dark. Also, you should refuse daytime sleep, and go to bed and get up in the mornings best at the same time.
In this case, doctors, according to earlier studies, warn that a sleep more than 9 hours a day can also harm the body.
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