Melatonin is the hormone produced by your brain when it gets dark - it tells your brain it's time to sleep. This study analyzed levels of a melatonin metabolite in the urine of older men from Iceland. The results showed that melatonin metabolite levels were lowest in those that reported sleep aid use, trouble falling asleep, or trouble staying asleep. And those men that had the highest levels of the metabolite had a 75% decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer.
The article does not discuss possible mechanisms, and more studies are needed before melatonin is recommended to ward off prostate cancer.
Showing posts with label prostate cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prostate cancer. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Monday, June 17, 2013
Sleep problems may increase risk of prostate cancer
The study findings reported about in this article have been getting lots of press. The study showed that those that report regular sleep difficulties have a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Remember correlation does not equal causation - meaning the study results do not mean insomnia causes prostate cancer. It may be that men with prostate cancer have more insomnia, perhaps from pain or frequent urination.
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