Breast Cancer and Night Light

http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/light_exp

November 13, 2013

The results of several studies suggest that women who work at night -- factory workers, doctors, nurses, and police officers, for example -- have a higher risk of breast cancer compared to women who work during the day. Other research suggests that women who live in areas with high levels of external light at night (street lights, for example) have a higher risk of breast cancer.

Researchers think that this increase in risk is linked to melatonin levels.

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It's not clear how much darkness is required to turn on melatonin production. Closing your eyes does a fairly good job of blocking light, but thick curtains or an eye mask can make sure you're sleeping in darkness. If you're concerned about excess light exposure at night, you may want to:


install blackout shades on your bedroom windows
don't turn on lights if you wake up at night
use low-wattage or red bulbs in nightlights
install a low-wattage or red-bulb nightlight in your bathroom(s)


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