If you continuously work late nights, you’re not just harming your sleep schedule — you might also be increasing your risk for cancer. A study by researchers at Virginia Tech shows that night shift workers or those who consistently stay late at the office may have lower levels of a protein that helps protect against tumors. Moreover, this protein, called human period 2, is responsible for organizing your daily sleep cycles and maintaining your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
When the human period 2 protein’s function is impaired due to environmental factors such as disrupted sleep cycles or night-time light exposure, it can potentially lead to an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, it’s essential to understand this critical interplay between your work habits and overall health.
The Role of Human Period 2 Protein in Cancer Prevention
The human period 2 protein functions in tandem with tumor suppression proteins to keep cellular division under control, ultimately stopping the development of cancer. According to researcher Tetsuya Gotoh, when the human period 2 protein is non-functional due to mutations or modifications, it can’t execute its job in preventing uncontrolled cell division.
This malfunction becomes especially problematic when tumor suppressor genes are mutated, which occurs in more than 80% of all cancer cases. Thanks to the human period 2 protein’s inactivity, these mutated genes can’t be kept in check, leading to the unchecked development of cancerous cells.
The Impact of Night Shift Work on Circadian Rhythm and Cancer Risk
The Virginia Tech study discovered that consistently working late into the night and exposing yourself to artificial light disrupts your circadian rhythm, leading to the disarray of the period 2 protein’s ability to safeguard against cancer. Similar findings have been observed in previous research studies. According to the World Health Organization, night shift work can be a potential human carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent.
For instance, it has been long known that women in professions such as nursing and flight attending, who frequently work night shifts, have a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer. The disruption of circadian rhythm has more far-reaching consequences than merely affecting sleep patterns; it can also pose severe risks to one’s health.
Strategies to Reduce Cancer Risks for Night Shift Workers
Given the correlation between working late hours and increased cancer risk, it’s crucial to develop strategies to minimize these risks for night-shift workers. Below are some recommendations to help safeguard your health:
Maintain Regular Sleep Schedules
While it might be challenging to coordinate nighttime job responsibilities with a regular sleep schedule, it’s vital for night shift workers to maintain consistent sleep patterns. Try to create a routine that allows you to sleep during the same hours each day, even on your off days.
Limit Exposure to Artificial Light at Night
Minimize your exposure to bright screens and artificial light during your nighttime work. Dim your computer monitors and use blue-light filtering apps to reduce the impact of screen light on your sleep cycle.
Provide Appropriate Breaks
Employers should provide regular breaks for night shift workers, giving them an opportunity to rest and recover during their shift. This approach not only helps to reduce fatigue but also maintains their body’s circadian rhythms and potentially lowers the risk of health issues like cancer.
Seek Medical Consultation
If you’re struggling with sleep disturbances or other health issues related to your nighttime work, consult with a healthcare professional. They can guide you on the best course of action to protect your health while still managing your job requirements.
Prioritizing Your Health While Working Night Shifts
It is crucial to recognize the potential dangers of working late hours and night shifts. By understanding the risks that a disrupted circadian rhythm and impaired human period 2 protein function present, you can take active steps to protect your health.
While you may not have the option to entirely avoid night shifts or change occupations, you can still prioritize your well-being by adhering to consistent sleep schedules, minimizing exposure to artificial light at night, and seeking proper medical advice when necessary.
Soon, new therapeutic interventions may be developed, as these findings represent a breakthrough in understanding “the complexity of the circadian-controlled network and its physiological relevance for human health,” as stated by researcher Carla Finkielstein.
