This might sound a little dramatic at first. But, in some ways, we’re all a ticking time bomb with a cancer countdown clock attached.
Because every one of us has cancer-related genes inside our body.
And any one of those genes could be steadily counting down the minutes until it has a chance to strike midnight.
But there IS a way to help slow that cancer clock and maybe even stop that deadly strike. And I’ll share that secret with you in just a few moments.
But first, let’s take a quick look at some alarming research that reveals how many folks are doing just the opposite. They’re fast-forwarding their cancer clock without even knowing it.
It boils down to a single habit that many people don’t even realize is harmful. And while it has to do with sleep, it’s probably NOT in the way you think.
Burning the candle at both ends lights up cancer genes
If you typically get six to eight hours of rest a night and feel fine the next day, you probably assume you’re getting the right amount of rest.
And that IS often a good sign that you’re on the right track. But it ISN’T the only thing you need to consider. And ignoring the other things could put you on the fast track to cancer.
We know, for example, that the KIND of sleep matters, too. That includes REM sleep and “deep” sleep and how much time you spend in each phase.
And research has revealed yet another factor to figure in… especially when it comes to cancer. And that’s WHEN you sleep.
If you’re already sleeping during “normal” nighttime hours, then you’re on the right track. But if you’re up late – with work, watching TV, or from just plain habit – you could be at greater risk for cancer.
You see, every cell inside your body has its own “clock,” just like the one I mentioned in those cancer-linked genes earlier. But they’re not set to the time on your wristwatch.
Instead, these clocks are tuned to your circadian rhythm. That’s the natural flow of night and day that your body relies on for so many cues.
Being a night owl could send cancer risk soaring
The study focused on those cancer-related genes. They can repair DNA and stop the disease when they’re working right. Or they can allow a tumor to form and grow if they fall asleep on the job.
In experiments conducted in a sleep lab, scientists found those genes lost their natural rhythm when volunteers were kept up all night.
Plus, study participants’ white cells, a critical part of the immune system, had measurably more damage when people had their days and nights flipped.
In another experiment, researchers exposed white blood cells gathered from patients who were awake at different times to radiation. The ones taken from volunteers who were up at night had more of the DNA damage that could lead to cancer.
The study points out that night-shift workers are likely at a higher risk for cancer. And that’s undoubtedly true. In fact, we’ve seen hints of it in other studies too.
But remember, your body doesn’t know (or care) WHY you’re up, only that you’re awake at the “wrong” time.
And let’s be honest, night-shift workers aren’t the only ones burning the midnight oil. Some of us are born night owls. Others of us fall into bad nighttime habits as we get older.
After all, if you don’t have to get up early in the morning anymore, it’s easy to park in front of the TV and watch old movies until you doze off in the easy chair.
If that sounds a bit too familiar, it may be time to reset your own habits and restart the clock. Getting to bed a little earlier can help arm those cells and protect against cancer.
And if you’re up late because you struggle to sleep at night, consider melatonin supplements. This “sleep hormone” can help prepare you for sleep, so it’s easier to drift off. And it’s no coincidence that scientists say melatonin could also offer some protection against cancer.
Need MORE sleep support? Click here to find out how to get the best sleep of your life starting tonight.
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