Cancer is a serious disease that grows rapidly and can be fatal. There are many types of it and there are many reasons behind it. Especially many factors related to our lifestyle can increase the risk of cancer.
Such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, oily and spicy food etc. Cancer is a major cause of deaths worldwide. According to the report of WHO (World Health Organization), one out of every five people may get cancer at some point in life. Furthermore, one in every nine men and one in every twelve women die due to cancer. This number shows how dangerous and widespread a disease cancer is.
What are the causes of cancer?
Most people think that cancer occurs only due to wrong eating habits or not exercising. But do you know that lack of sleep can also be a major cause of cancer? A new study has revealed that there is a deep connection between sleep and cancer.
The connection between sleep and cancer
Our body works in a 24-hour cycle, which is called circadian rhythm. This chakra controls our sleep, hormones and many important physical processes. This chakra is particularly sensitive to light, especially blue light emitted from gadgets like mobiles, laptops and TVs. If a person watches screens late at night, his circadian rhythm gets disturbed. Due to this, the entire system of the body gets disturbed and it can be harmful for health.
Night light and cancer risk
A 2005 study found that exposure to electric lights at night increases the risk of breast cancer. Especially in developed industrialized countries, where more light is used at night, the risk of breast cancer has been seen to be five times higher.
Decrease in melatonin production due to light
In the darkness of night, our brain produces a hormone called melatonin. This hormone helps us to sleep. But melatonin not only induces sleep, it also prevents the growth of cancer cells. When you are exposed to night lights or blue light from mobile-screens, melatonin levels decrease. This may increase the risk of cancer. Sleep is extremely important for our physical, mental and emotional health. If your sleep is chronically disrupted, your circadian rhythm is disrupted, and you are unable to produce melatonin due to nighttime light or mobile screens, it may increase your risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
More danger for those working in night shift
People who work in night shifts are at higher risk of cancer. But shift workers are not the only ones at risk. If you watch mobile, TV or laptop till late night, then you are also in danger. A 2021 study also states that exposure to light at night also increases the risk of thyroid cancer.
Easy ways to prevent cancer
Stop using screens at least 2 hours before bedtime. Dim the lights in the house after the sun sets. Make a habit of sleeping and waking up at a fixed time every day. Turn on ‘night mode’ in mobile or laptop or wear yellow light glasses. Keep the bedroom quiet, dark and comfortable.
Small changes in our lifestyle can be very helpful in preventing cancer. Sleeping at the right time, reducing screen time, and getting good sleep will not only improve your health, but will also reduce the risk of deadly diseases like cancer. Therefore, pay attention to your habits today and adopt a healthy lifestyle.