Dr. Mercola March 28 2001 3,134 views
High blood levels of the hormone melatonin may explain why blind women have significantly lowered risks for breast cancer compared with sighted women.
Melatonin, which is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and plays an important role in the body's sleep cycle, is thought to influence the secretion of estrogen, which in turn influences breast cancer risk.
The investigators found that totally blind women had a 36% lower risk of breast cancer compared with sighted women. Women who became blind relatively early in life (before age 65) appeared to be especially protected against breast cancer, with incidence rates 49% below those of sighted women.
Only total blindness -- not visual impairment -- seemed to protect against breast cancer. According to the authors, this supports the theory that increased nighttime exposure to artificial light reduces melatonin levels, altering estrogen secretion rates and upping risks for breast cancer.
Blind women are by definition unreceptive to light, however, and may maintain high melatonin production at night regardless of external light conditions. Kliukiene's team believe this may be the mechanism whereby blind women are protected from breast cancer.
British Journal of Cancer March 2001;84:397-399
Even further proof that you need to sleep in ABSOLUTE darkness if you wish to lower your risk for cancer. Most of us live in communities where light from the street will leak into the bedroom. One can install "black out" drapes, similar to the ones in most hotels to compensate for this.
If you click on the link below you will find that I first reported on this subject nearly three years ago. If you read the newsletter you will know the truth about your health years before it is commonly appreciated.
Related Articles:
Sleep in Complete Darkness to Decrease Cancer Risk Guide to a Good Night's Sleep
Sleep in Complete Darkness to Decrease Cancer Risk
Guide to a Good Night's Sleep
Cool. I think working in dim incandescent (never fluorescent) light at night also decreases cancer risk.
Hi, last Christmas I stayed at a friend's house in the country - she's a nursing sister and has a special blacked out room for night shift. I had such a relaxing sleep every night - much better than my city bedroom which never really gets completely black. Probably being isolated helps too... space, moonlight, trees... lovely. Blacking out our city bedrooms is a great idea, and here is added incentive. Thanks for the information.
Hi if you think that is is a great idea - why dont you try this product? it is a total room blackout kit that consists of 7 peieces for your door windows led lights and wall items all used with reusable sticker to totally black out light - it is great! Also you get your money back if you dont love it!
blackout-curtain-togo.com
just $19.99 for all the pieces!