Sleep – it’s not just for dreaming. On March 15th, World Sleep Day, it’s time to shine a light on the importance of quality shut-eye, especially for those fighting melanoma and skin cancer. 

Did you know that sleep can be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer? For cancer patients undergoing treatment, studies have shown that a lack of sleep can make treatments less effective, impacting their response to treatment, disease progression, and overall survival rates.2 Additionally, good sleep can boost the body’s immune system, aiding in the elimination of cancerous cells.1 When we sleep, our bodies repair damaged cells, produce important proteins that keep our immune system strong,1 and regulate hormones.3 So, catching those Z’s isn’t just about feeling rested  – it’s about giving our bodies the tools they need to fight back. 

Tips for Improved Sleep 

 So, how can melanoma and skin cancer patients improve their sleep? Here are a few strategies to try: 

  • Stick to a Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can improve the quality of your sleep. 
  • Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Wind down before bed with calming activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. 
  • Make Your Bedroom a Sleep Sanctuary: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to create the ideal sleep environment. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows to support quality rest. 
  • Limit Screen Time: Avoid using electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers before bed, as the blue light emitted can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. 
  • Talk to Your Doctor: If you’re having trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team. They can offer personalized advice and may recommend treatments or therapies to improve your sleep quality. 

On World Sleep Day, let’s remember the power of a good night’s sleep, especially for those battling melanoma and skin cancer. By prioritizing sleep and making healthy sleep habits a part of your routine, you can give your body the rest and rejuvenation it needs to keep fighting strong.

Sources:

  1. Garbarino S, Lanteri P, Bragazzi NL, Magnavita N, Scoditti E. Role of sleep deprivation in immune-related disease risk and outcomes. Commun Biol. 2021 Nov 18;4(1):1304. doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-02825-4. PMID: 34795404; PMCID: PMC8602722. 
  1. Strøm L, Danielsen JT, Amidi A, Cardenas Egusquiza AL, Wu LM, Zachariae R. Sleep During Oncological Treatment – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Associations With Treatment Response, Time to Progression and Survival. Front Neurosci. 2022 Apr 19;16:817837. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2022.817837. PMID: 35516799; PMCID: PMC9063131. 
  1. Brinkman JE, Reddy V, Sharma S. Physiology of Sleep. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482512/