The scientific evidence for the importance of sleep on health is growing every year. In a recent study, researchers explored the link between sleep patterns and lung cancer risk. Their work is published in the scientific journal International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health.
Sleep and lung cancer
Sleep is one of the pillars of health, along with diet and physical activity. But not just any sleep! In sleep, there are several essential parameters:
- The amount of sleep;
- The quality of sleep;
- The greater or lesser respect of the circadian rhythm, that is to say the fact of sleeping during the night or, on the contrary, of sleeping during the day for people who work at night.
Scientific studies have already suggested a link between sleep and the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. In a new study, researchers have assessed the impact of sleep on another cancer, lung cancer, the causes of which are not fully known.
Not enough or too much sleep increases the risk of lung cancer
The multicenter study, conducted between 2014 and 2017 in Ile-de-France, assessed the association between sleep disorders, night work and the risk of developing lung cancer in women aged 18 to 75. . Among them, 716 were diagnosed with lung cancer, while 758 women were in good lung health. Questionnaires and individual interviews made it possible to determine:
- Sleep duration;
- socio-demographic data;
- medical history;
- Lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity).
The analysis of the collected data showed that women who had a low (less than 7 hours per day) and high (more than 8 hours per day) sleep duration had a risk of lung cancer increased by 16 and 39% respectively, compared to women with a sleep considered normal (between 7 and 8 hours a day). This link between sleep duration and lung cancer was also reinforced in women who had worked at night for at least 5 years.
A sleep-lung cancer link, influenced by night work and smoking
In this context of night work, the increased risk of lung cancer was particularly accentuated among women who slept little (less than 7 hours a day). Night work and smoking jointly influenced the risk of lung cancer. Among non-smokers, night work did not significantly increase the risk of lung cancer, whereas an increased risk was observed for former smokers and smokers.
Finally, the study reveals that the existence of sleep disorders increases the risk of lung cancer. In conclusion, a sleep duration between 7 and 8 hours would help reduce the risk of lung cancer, while sleep disorders, excess or lack of sleep, night work and/or smoking would tend increase the risk of lung cancer. Sleeping well is therefore essential for the health of the lungs!
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– Sleep Traits, Night Shift Work and Lung Cancer Risk among Women. mdpi.com. Accessed January 9, 2023