Relationship of sleep, melatonin, and cancer

Abstract

The synthesis of melatonin secreted from the pineal gland is primarily due to darkness. Exposure to artificial light during sleep disrupts the secretion of melatonin as it suppresses the pineal functions acutely. In addition to many pathological conditions, this disorder may increase the risk of breast and prostate cancer from hormone-dependent cancers. Thanks to its antioxidant and cell cycle slowing properties, melatonin increases the efficiency of the chemotherapy drug. Therefore, melatonin can be used both alone and in combination with other treatments as a safe and effective treatment for breast and prostate cancer.