Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the cause of approximately 1.38 million new cases and 458,000 deaths each year. While there are different factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer, research has found that the timing of sleep plays a role in the risk of breast cancer.

The Role of Sleep in Breast Cancer Risk

Studies have found that people who work at night or have irregular sleep patterns may have an increased risk of breast cancer.

A 2001 study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who worked at night had a higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who did not work at night. This is because night work disrupts the natural production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and has anti-cancer properties.

In addition, a 2014 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who had an irregular sleep pattern had a higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who had a regular sleep pattern.

Irregular sleep patterns disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, which can lead to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.

Early Birds and Breast Cancer Risk

Recent research has found that being an early bird may lower the risk of breast cancer.

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2018 found that women who identified as morning people had a lower risk of breast cancer compared to those who identified as evening people. The study, which included more than 400,000 women from the UK Biobank, found that morning people had a 40% lower risk of breast cancer compared to evening people.

Another study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in 2019 found similar results.

The study, which included more than 400,000 women from the UK Biobank, found that women who slept longer than the recommended 7-8 hours per night and woke up earlier had a lower risk of breast cancer compared to those who slept for shorter periods and woke up later.

Why Early Birds Have Lower Risk of Breast Cancer

While the exact reasons why being an early bird may lower the risk of breast cancer are not yet clear, researchers have several theories.

One theory is that being an early bird may be linked to a lower risk of sleep disturbances, which are known to increase the risk of breast cancer. Early birds may also have better sleep quality, which is important for overall health.

Another theory is linked to the body’s circadian rhythm. Early birds tend to have a natural circadian rhythm that is aligned with the light-dark cycle, which helps regulate the body’s hormones and other physiological functions.

Disrupting this rhythm, for example by working night shifts or irregular sleep patterns, can lead to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.

Other Ways to Lower Breast Cancer Risk

While being an early bird may help lower the risk of breast cancer, it is not the only factor that contributes to breast cancer risk. There are several other lifestyle factors that can help lower the risk of breast cancer. These include:.

Regular physical activity: Exercise can help lower the risk of breast cancer by reducing the levels of estrogen in the body.
Healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in processed foods and red meat may help lower the risk of breast cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Limiting alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all may help lower the risk of breast cancer.
Regular breast cancer screening: Regular mammograms and other breast cancer screenings can help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a serious health issue that affects millions of women worldwide.

While there are different factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer, research has found that being an early bird may help lower the risk of breast cancer. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular breast cancer screenings, women can take steps to reduce their risk and protect their health.