There’s no denying that waking up early can be challenging, especially if you’re not a morning person.
However, getting up in the wee hours of the morning may have a significant impact on your health, as a recent study has found that early risers are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
The Study
The study, published in the journal BMJ, found that women who identified as “morning people” had a 40 to 48 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who identified as “night owls.”.
The research, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, analyzed data from more than 180,000 women.
The women had provided information about their sleep habits and whether they identified as morning or night people. The researchers then followed up with the participants over a period of several years to track the incidence of breast cancer.
The study found that women who woke up earlier and had more exposure to natural light during the day had a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
This suggests that the body’s natural clock, which is regulated by exposure to light, may play a role in the development of breast cancer.
Why Might This Be the Case?
One possible explanation for the link between early mornings and reduced breast cancer risk is that the body’s circadian rhythm, or natural clock, plays an important role in regulating hormone levels.
Hormonal imbalances have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The natural clock also influences the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
In addition, early risers may have a better sleep quality than night owls. Poor sleep quality has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
What Can You Do?
If you’re not a natural morning person, don’t worry. There are things you can do to train your body to wake up earlier. One of the best things you can do is to establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. This will help regulate your natural clock and make it easier to wake up in the morning.
You can also make some lifestyle changes to help you wake up earlier. For example, try to get more exposure to natural light during the day. Open your curtains or blinds as soon as you wake up. Take a morning walk outside if possible.
Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s natural clock and makes it easier to wake up in the morning.
Finally, there are things you can do to improve your sleep quality. Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book.
These habits will help you fall asleep faster and get a better night’s sleep.
Conclusion
The link between early risers and reduced breast cancer risk is an exciting development in breast cancer research.
While more research is needed, it’s clear that there are steps you can take to train your body to wake up earlier and improve your sleep quality. By doing so, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer and improve your overall health.