According to a study by DHA, the percentage of women with breast cancer has risen to 20% over the past six years
The topic of breast cancer and sleep has been and continues to be the title of many scientific studies and research of many therapists and doctors. Over the past years, sleep disturbance has not only been associated with strokes, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, but also cancer.
Sleep disorders are numerous, their causes range from stress, illness, medication treatment and aging, and sleep quality is associated with healing and Prevention of many diseases. It is important that adults get 7-8 hours of sleep each night in order to promote mental health and improve the functioning of the body's immune system. At the biological level, lack of sleep can increase inflammation and disrupt the body's normal immune function, which can increase the chances of cancer, and the hormone melatonin produced during sleep may have antioxidant properties that help prevent cell damage.
Getting good sleep may be an important weapon in the fight against cancer, as the secretion of melatonin during sleep is a signal to fight cancer. Women who get less than 6 hours of sleep a day can have a greater risk of breast cancer than 60%. Researchers believe that the types of sleep and natural awakening of Man are most in line with the daily frequency, biological clock and vital processes of the body. The daily frequency or circadian rhythm of the body consists of daytime exposure to sunlight alternating with nighttime in times of complete darkness. A healthy sleep-wake cycle is extremely important for the production of “melatonin” which acts as an internal biological clock to regulate body temperature, endocrine functions and a number of disease processes such as heart attack, stroke and cancer.
There may be a relationship between breast cancer and sleep and hormone cycles imbalance. "Melatonin", which is excreted mainly at night, may reduce the body's production of estrogen. Sleep deprivation hinders the secretion of “melatonin”, allowing estrogen levels to rise in the body. Increased estrogen production is known to increase the chances of developing breast cancer. In all likelihood, women may be at risk of breast cancer in chronic sleep deprivation, and postmenopausal women who sleep fewer hours have an increased risk of breast cancer. "There is growing evidence that improving sleep quality for cancer patients can improve their quality of life in the long term, and studies and trials have shown that this increases their survival rates and enhances their response to treatment, “says Dr. Irshad Ibrahim, medical director of the London Sleep Centre in Dubai. By improving the quality and duration of sleep, we can reduce the incidence of depression in cancer patients and improve their quality of life and upgrade them for the better.”
According to the DHA study, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer has increased by 20% over the past six years. As October marks Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts at the London Centre for insomnia and sleep disorders are offering :
Tips on breast cancer and sleep
- Sleep and wake up should be on a specific date Daily.
- Do not take an afternoon nap in case you intend to get a full 7-8 hours of sleep at night.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol at least 4-6 hours before going to bed.
- Do not exercise at least 4 hours before going to bed.
- Follow daily rituals such as listening to soothing music, relaxing, reading a fun book for 15 minutes and having a cup of caffeine-free tea.
- Eat a light snack before bed, there are many good options such as yogurt and skim milk, cherry juice.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and work to gradually relax the muscles.
- Try to control the stimuli and stimuli around you, as this reduces the time of waking up in bed before bed and displays the bed as a place intended for sleeping only.
- Ensure complete sleep rest such as avoiding heavy meals and watching TV before bed.
Breast cancer is one of the most common and diagnosed cancers, and evidence is growing to suggest a link between lack of sleep and an increased risk of breast cancer. If you have chronic problems with sleep, getting a good sleep may be a distant dream. There are many treatments that improve the quality of sleep. You may certainly benefit by visiting a sleep specialist, as medical intervention is required to re-establish proper and healthy sleep and wake cycles.