Here's another reason why getting the right amount of sleep every day can make such a profound difference in your health: A Japanese study linked rotating shift work to a higher incidence of prostate cancer.
During their review of some 14,000 men over eight years, researchers found 80 percent of their group worked daytime hours and only about 13 percent rotated their work schedules from night to day. Those who worked the night shift only slightly increased their odds of prostate cancer over day workers. Swing-shift workers, however, quadrupled their cancer risks, even after adjusting for other risk factors (stress, smoking, BMI and alcohol consumption).
The likely culprit: A disruption in the body's production of melatonin. The tiniest bit of light can disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythms in addition to the production of melatonin by your pineal gland, which is why it's so important for you to sleep in complete darkness.
Regardless what reason you're not getting the right amount of sleep, I urge you to review my 29 secrets for doing so safely, effectively and without a drug. And, be sure to get a healthy amount of sun, one important way to slash your risk of prostate cancer.
American Journal of Epidemiology, Vol. 164, No. 6, September 15, 2006: 549-555
BBC News September 17, 2006
Yahoo News September 13, 2006