A new study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men who suffer insomnia and disrupted sleep had a higher risk of prostate cancer than those with normal sleep patterns.

This research adds another link to the chain that connects disrupted sleep to cancer risk – prior studies have linked sleep apnea to several types of cancer.

The study looked at almost 2500 Icelandic men over the age of 67 and interviewed them about their sleep patterns. The medical history of the study participants was then tracked for between 3 to 7 years, looking for prostate cancer diagnosis or death from any cause.

Compared with men who reported no sleep problems, those with sleep difficulties were about 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer. Researchers think that the sleep hormone melatonin may be part of the cause. Researchers in lab tests have found that higher melatonin levels suppress tumor growth and that levels similar to those experienced by  people who have too much exposure to artificial light are more likely to see aggressive tumor growth.

We now know that good sleep is essential for good health. If you or your partner snores then neither of you are getting the type of restful, restorative sleep that you need to maintain good health. Snoring can be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea. There are alternatives to sleeping in another room. Both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can be effectively treated using an oral appliance.

Don’t rely on your regular dentist to make your oral appliance. Extensive training in the field of dental sleep medicine and regular treatment of patients with sleep disorders are signs that a dentist has the knowledge and experience to treat your problem effectively.

To find out more information please contact Columbus sleep apnea dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696 to schedule a consultation. A good, healthy night of sleep is just a phone call away.