What’s the first thing your body asks for when you’re unwell? Obviously, Sleep. It’s so instinctive because sleep is our body’s natural way of repairing, restoring, and rebuilding itself.

Yet, in this world that glorifies hustle culture, we often neglect this basic necessity. When someone gently advises us to prioritize good sleep, it’s easy to dismiss it with phrases like, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” But science has a sharp rebuttal: “If you don’t sleep, you may die.”

The irony? We’re striving tirelessly to build a life we can enjoy while depriving ourselves of the very basic thing that makes it possible: REST. Striking a balance between ambition and health is not just wise; it’s essential.

Some studies suggest a potential link between sleep and cancer risk, though more research is needed to confirm these findings. According to Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer of WebMD and author of “Take Control of Your Cancer Risk,” maintaining healthy sleep habits may play a role in overall wellness. In this blog, we’ll learn the connection between sleep and cancer risk and explore why a good night’s rest might be the most powerful tool to keep the unseen at bay. Keep reading; you might just find the wake-up call you need.

Let's answer the basic question first;

What does good sleep mean?

According to the American Cancer Society, quality sleep means:

• Uninterrupted Sleep: Your sleep isn’t disturbed by waking up frequently.
• Complete Sleep Cycle: You go through all the stages of sleep, including REM (rapid eye movement) —- for body repair and REM sleep, the deeper sleep — for brain and mental health.
• Enough Sleep Hours: You get 7-9 hours of sleep (depending on your body’s needs).
• Feeling Refreshed: You wake up feeling rested and energized, not groggy or tired.

Do you know?

You know, a Lack of Sleep is worse than Drinking Alcohol

Is research supporting Sleep and Cancer Link?

The research connecting sleep and cancer risk is ongoing, and while results are not yet conclusive, there are some interesting findings:

What Studies Suggest:

These findings are not conclusive and require further research.

• Short Sleep (4-5 hours):
• It may increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers.
• Lack of sleep might prevent the body from repairing and restoring itself, potentially leading to abnormal cell growth.
• Long Sleep (Over 9 hours):
• Some studies suggest a long sleep of more than 9 hours is possibly linked to higher risks of colorectal and lung cancer.
• The reasons for this are still unclear and need more investigation.
• Shift Work:
• Long-term shift work, especially night shifts, may raise cancer risks.
• This could be due to reduced melatonin production, a hormone that not only helps regulate sleep but also balances other hormones like cortisol and estrogen.
• Sleep Apnea:
• People with moderate or severe sleep apnea may have an increased risk of cancer.
• Paused breathing during sleep can stress the body and reduce oxygen availability, which might trigger abnormal cell changes.

In a longitudinal study by Song Chenxi., 2020, the following was the conclusion:

• Poor Sleep Quality Increases Cancer Risk: Elderly individuals with poor sleep quality had a significantly higher risk of developing cancer over an 8-year follow-up period.
• Intermediate Sleep Quality Also Risky: Even moderate sleep issues were linked to a higher cancer risk compared to good sleep quality.

The findings remained consistent even after excluding participants with a family history of cancer or abnormal sleep duration.

While these findings are a bit confusing, they highlight potential connections between sleep and cancer. Scientists agree that more research is needed to understand how sleep impacts cancer risk fully. It’s a good reason, though, to prioritize healthy sleep habits!

These findings are not conclusive and require further research.

3 potential ways sleep may impact the cancer risk

While the connection between sleep and cancer risk is still being studied, researchers have identified potential mechanisms that might link poor sleep to an increased risk. Here are three possible areas where sleep may play a role:

Conclusion

While the link between lack of sleep and increased cancer risk is still being studied, one thing is pretty clear: Quality sleep is essential for your overall well-being. It helps you achieve the things you've always dreamed of—things that lack of sleep will only hold you back from. Wellness Extract encourages you not to deprive your body of this fundamental need. Prioritize a full sleep cycle, including both REM and non-REM sleep, and who knows, you may reduce many hidden risks, including cancer, without even realizing it.

You can also read books by Matthew Walker, "The Silent Sleep Loss Epidemic." and Dr. John Whyte, “Take Control of Your Cancer Risk,” to get a clarification on this topic.  

Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.