The February issue of the journal Cancer published a study which found that individuals who averaged less than six hours of sleep per night experienced an almost 50% increase in the risk of colorectal adenomas compared to individuals who slept at least seven hours each night. The adenomas can become malignant tumors if left untreated.

Dr. Li Li of the University Hospitals Case Medcial Center and principal investigator said “A short amount of sleep can now be viewed as a new risk factor for the development of colon cancer.”

Dr. Li said the increase in risk because of short sleep was comparable to the increased risk experienced by those with a family history of the disease or a high red-meat intake. The reason why sleep duration and colon cancer are linked is currently unclear.

“Effective intervention to increase duration of sleep and improve quality of sleep could be an under-appreciated avenue for the prevention of colorectal cancer” said Dr. Li.

For many people snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are the reasons they experience short or disturbed sleep each night. The disturbed sleep is not limited to the person suffering from the sleep apnea or snoring, their partner also suffers sleep deprivation.

If you or your partner have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or severe snoring and are unable to tolerate CPAP treatment you do have alternatives. Oral appliance therapy is highly effective and easily tolerated by most patients. Snoring and gasping for breath can be a thing of the past and you and your spouse can enjoy a full night of sleep.

In the Columbus, Ohio area your dental sleep medicine practitioner is Dr. Mark Levy. Please contact our office at 614-476-6696 to schedule your consultation today.