Turn in early to turn cancer away. Men with higher melatonin levels--a hormone involved in regulating your sleep-wake cycle--had a 75 percent lower risk of advanced prostate cancer compared to guys with lower levels, according to a new study from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Melatonin is thought to be an antioxidant--and some experts think it may prevent the growth of cancer cells. However, this hasn't been proven in humans yet.
And before you start popping melatonin--which some people do to sleep better--know that the study results likely have more to do with the carcinogenic effect of poor sleep in general, says Chris Winter, M.D., medical director of the Martha Jefferson Sleep Medicine Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. In fact, the World Health Organization has classified night shift work as a carcinogen, Dr. Winter adds.
Melatonin supplements may help you get sleep, but they're more of a band-aid on the problem. A better idea: Identify the bad habits that prevent you from logging shut-eye. Going to bed at the same time every night, waking up at a consistent time, and regular exercise can improve sleep. And give up your smartphone and tablet before bed! A study in Applied Ergonomics found using them for two hours could reduce melatonin levels, which can prevent you from dozing off.
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