The human body is complex and amazing, yet we often take it for granted in our day-to-day lives. From the moment we wake up in the morning until the time we go to bed at night, our bodies are working hard to keep us going.

One of the many functions of our bodies is fighting off cancer cells, which are abnormal cells that grow and multiply uncontrollably. While there are many factors that can contribute to cancer development, recent studies have shown that getting enough sleep, particularly in the evening, may help protect against cancer cells.

What is Cancer?

Before diving into the science behind the relationship between sleep and cancer, it’s important to understand what exactly cancer is.

Cancer is a broad term that encompasses many different types of diseases, all of which involve abnormal cell growth. When the body’s natural processes for regulating cell growth and division are disrupted, cells can divide and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass of cells known as a tumor.

Some tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. But other tumors are malignant, meaning they are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

The Link Between Sleep and Cancer Cells

Recent studies have found that sleep, particularly in the evening, may play a role in protecting against the development of cancer cells.

One study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that individuals who reported sleeping for longer durations in the evening had a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who slept for shorter durations. Similarly, another study published in the same journal found that individuals who slept for longer durations in the evening had a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer than those who slept for shorter durations.

So, what is it about evening sleep that may help protect against cancer cells? One theory is that the body’s natural circadian rhythm, or internal biological clock, plays a role.

Our circadian rhythm helps regulate many functions in the body, including sleep and hormone production. Melatonin, a hormone that is produced during the night when we sleep, has been found to have anti-cancer properties.

When we disrupt our circadian rhythm by staying up late or working night shifts, we may be reducing the amount of melatonin produced by our bodies, which could increase our risk of developing cancer cells.

The Importance of Quality Sleep

While the amount of sleep we get is important, so is the quality of that sleep. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia can disrupt our circadian rhythm and reduce the amount of high-quality sleep we get.

This, in turn, could increase our risk of developing cancer cells. One study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that individuals with sleep apnea had a higher risk of developing lung cancer than those without sleep apnea.

Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that individuals with insomnia had a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those without insomnia.

If you are having trouble getting high-quality sleep, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider. There are many treatment options available for sleep disorders, including lifestyle changes, medication, and breathing devices for sleep apnea.

The Bottom Line

The relationship between sleep and cancer cells is complex, and more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play.

However, there is evidence to suggest that getting enough high-quality sleep, particularly in the evening, may help protect against the development of cancer cells. If you are having trouble sleeping, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to explore your treatment options. By prioritizing your sleep health, you may be taking an important step in safeguarding your overall health and well-being.