How Important is Sleep for Cancer Patients?

How Important is Sleep for Cancer Patients?

cancer care

8/12/2022

Although everyone needs 7-9 hours of sleep, it is absolutely essential for cancer patients. People undergoing cancer treatment may have difficulty sleeping or experience changes in their sleep patterns due to treatment and medication side effects, pain, stress, hospital stays, etc. However, the quality and duration of their sleep is linked to how well their body can fight cancer and respond to treatment.

Research has shown that poor sleep has caused increased pain and complications in women after breast cancer surgery. Another study reveals that obstructive sleep apnea aggravates cancer, spreading it to other body parts. These studies prove a correlation between sleep and cancer, suggesting the need to learn about this hot topic.

Continue reading to learn the significance of sleep and how it helps in cancer treatment and recovery.

How Does Poor Sleep Increase Cancer Risk?

Lack of sleep can alter the balance of two crucial hormones that regulate cancer cells - cortisol and melatonin. Cortisol controls the immune system’s function, including the release of cells that help battle cancer. It usually increases in the morning after a good night’s sleep and declines across the day. On the other hand, melatonin is produced by the brain while we sleep. It has antioxidant characteristics that prevent cell damage that can lead to cancer.

Besides sleep-induced hormone imbalances, some factors of sleep may also impact cancer risk, which includes:

  • Sleep Quality

    Studies reveal that poor sleep increases the risk of aggressive breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in older men.

  • Sleep Duration

    According to research, people who sleep less than six hours have an increased cancer risk. While short sleep duration elevates the risk of colon polyps turning into cancer, long sleep duration (beyond 9 hours) is the major risk factor for breast cancer and liver cancer.

  • Circadian Rhythm

    It is the body’s intrinsic clock running 24 hours a day. As it is responsible for cell growth and division, its disruption may lead to abnormal cell growth that could turn into cancer.

  • Sleep Disorders

    Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), impact cancer progression and recovery. A study reveals that severe OSA can increase the risk of death in patients with stage 3 and stage 4 lung cancers. Severe OSA also contributes to other cancers, such as kidney, uterus, melanoma, lung, colorectal, etc.

Can Good Sleep Help in Cancer Treatment and Recovery?

Yes! Good quality sleep may help improve pain tolerance and remission rates in cancer patients while increasing the efficiency of treatment. Some medicines and treatments (such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy) used to treat cancer can lower your immune system’s function, and insufficient sleep can further weaken your immune system, lowering your body’s ability to fight cancer cells while allowing aggravation of those cells. Therefore, getting plenty of sleep is crucial for cancer patients to expedite recovery.

Sleep deprivation may increase your risk of cancer progression and may also contribute to other health issues, such as depression, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. It’s important to get sufficient rest while you are being treated for cancer to allow your body to recover and to minimize your risk of other health issues. 

Contact COHA for Comprehensive Cancer Treatment and Quick Recovery

If you are looking for world-class care from experienced oncologists and hematologists, schedule an appointment with us today at Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates. Our leading oncologists can provide best-in-class cancer treatment that contributes to quick recovery and improved quality of life.

Also Read: Liver Cancer - Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

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COHA

COHA is a leading group of oncologists that offer oncology services within Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. We remain committed to bringing the best oncology and hematology services to the residents of this area. Our knowledge, skills, and experience will guide you toward the best treatment options for your health and lifestyle. We offer today’s most effective therapies, expertly and compassionately delivered in our infusion and medical centers.


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