[234] - The Impact of Light at Night on Cancer Risk – What Shift Workers Need to Know

Text me what you thought of the show 😊Blue light exposure does more than delay sleep—it could be increasing your cancer risk. In this episode, we dive into how artificial light, especially from screens, reduces melatonin production, a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from cancer.Studies show shift workers, especially those on night shifts, have a higher risk of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Women on rotating night shifts for over 30 years face a shocking 36% increased risk of breast cancer.But there’s hope. Learn practical strategies to protect your melatonin levels:Create a pitch-black sleep environment: Remove even small light sources.Must-have tools: Discover the best sleep masks and blue-light blocking glasses.Workplace solutions: Push for circadian-friendly lighting during night shifts.Daytime light & lifestyle: Tips to regulate your body’s natural rhythms.Your health is worth protecting—subscribe and share this life-saving info with your friends and colleagues!References:Melatonin and cancer risk: does light at night compromise physiologic cancer protection by lowering serum melatonin levels?Support the show----------------------------Roger Sutherland is Australia's Night Shift & Sleep Specialist and the founder of A Healthy Shift.After more than 40 years working rotating shifts with Victoria Police, Roger now helps organisations reduce fatigue risk, improve staff wellbeing and build healthier, safer and higher-performing 24/7 workplaces through evidence-based education, circadian biology and the Shift Work Champions™ Framework.Shift Work Champions™: https://join.ahealthyshift.com/shift-work-capabilityWebsite: https://ahealthyshift.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-sutherlandInstagram: @a_healthy_shift___________________Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional.  Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death._______________________