One Simple Night Habit That Could Dramatically Cut Cancer Risk
One Simple Night Habit That Could Dramatically Cut Cancer Risk
A simple yet powerful change to your night routine that could dramatically lower your cancer risk is limiting exposure to artificial light at night, especially blue light from screens and LED lighting.
Research has increasingly shown that disrupting your circadian rhythm—your body's natural sleep-wake cycle—can negatively impact your health, including increasing the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer. Artificial light, particularly blue light from phones, tablets, computers, and even overhead LED lights, suppresses melatonin production. Melatonin is not only essential for quality sleep but also plays a role in regulating cell growth and reducing oxidative stress, both of which are linked to cancer prevention.
Here’s how you can make this change:
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Dim or turn off bright lights at least an hour before bed. Use low-wattage, warm-colored bulbs if light is needed.
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Avoid screens (phones, tablets, TVs, laptops) 1–2 hours before bedtime. If that’s not realistic, use blue light filters or apps like Night Shift, f.lux, or built-in “eye comfort” modes.
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Consider wearing blue light–blocking glasses in the evening.
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Create a bedtime routine in a dark or dimly lit space, signaling to your body that it’s time to produce melatonin and wind down.
Making this small change can help realign your body’s internal clock, improve sleep quality, and reduce long-term cancer risk by supporting your natural hormonal and cellular cycles.
