A Nigerian medical practitioner and director, Ileri-Oluwa Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Olawale Akande has said that latest research findings pointed at sleeplessness or abnormal sleep patterns as capable of causing certain cancers.
According to him, research showed that disrupted sleep patterns could weaken the immune system, thereby potentially increasing the risk of abnormal cell growth and tumor development.
He mentioned four criteria by which sleeplessness could cause cancer risk including:
Weakened Immune Function: Chronic sleep disruptions can impair the immune system’s ability to effectively identify and eliminate abnormal cells, potentially increasing the risk of cancer development.
Disrupted Circadian Rhythms: Sleep disturbances can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, which is crucial for regulating various bodily functions, including cell division and DNA repair.
Hormonal Imbalances: Sleep deprivation can affect hormone levels, including melatonin, which has been linked to cancer prevention and may be reduced in individuals with sleep problems.
Increased Cancer Risk Factors: Some studies suggest that individuals with insomnia, particularly women, may have a higher risk of developing certain cancers, such as thyroid cancer.
He advised humans to ensure they get the mandated eight hours of daily sleep at least four times weekly to eliminate risks of associated cancers development.