Link found between lack of sleep and breast cancer

Women who spend less than six hours a night asleep in bed may be increasing the risk of developing breast cancer, new research has found.

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer provides evidence that lack of sleep can disrupt the production of a hormone called melatonin, which may help to protect against the disease.

The research, which was conducted by scientists in Japan, found that after testing nearly 24,000 women over eight years, those who slept for six hours a night were 62 per cent more likely to develop cancer than those who slept for seven hours.

Henry Scowcroft, science information manager for Cancer Research UK, said: "The current evidence suggests sleeping and working patterns might have a small effect on the risk of breast cancer."

However, he said it was too early to tell how important this is when compared to other issues such as exercise and alcohol consumption.

Last week it was found that the sleep disruption caused by the switch to daylight saving time could increase the risk of heart disease.

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