Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Overlooked Connection Between Sleep and Health
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Overlooked Connection Between Sleep and Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a vital time to focus on early detection, support, and overall wellness. While most people think of screenings, treatment, and lifestyle changes during this time, one major factor often gets overlooked: sleep health.
At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, we want to shine a light on the connection between sleep disorders and breast cancer risk, recovery, and survivorship.
Sleep and Breast Cancer: What’s the Link?
Research suggests that poor sleep, chronic insomnia, and circadian rhythm disruptions may contribute to hormone imbalance and inflammation—both of which can play a role in cancer development and progression.
Some key findings:
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Shift work and circadian disruption have been linked to increased breast cancer risk.
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can elevate inflammation and reduce oxygen levels—placing added strain on the body.
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Insomnia and fragmented sleep can weaken the immune system during and after treatment.
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Poor sleep quality is associated with higher stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients and survivors.
Sleep Disorders During and After Treatment
Cancer treatment can significantly impact sleep. Many patients experience:
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Insomnia
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Restless Sleep
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Daytime Fatigue
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Nighttime Awakenings
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Snoring or Sleep Apnea
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Pain- or stress-induced sleep issues
These sleep disruptions may not resolve on their own—and untreated sleep disorders can affect energy levels, healing, mood, and quality of life.
Why Addressing Sleep Matters for Survivors
Improving sleep can:
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Boost immune function
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Increase treatment tolerance
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Reduce fatigue and brain fog
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Improve mood and mental health
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Support long-term wellness
A healthy night’s sleep is not a luxury—it’s a critical part of breast cancer recovery and survivorship care.
How Comprehensive Sleep Care Center Can Help
If you or a loved one has struggled with sleep issues during or after breast cancer treatment, you’re not alone—and help is available.
At Comprehensive Sleep Care Center, our board-certified sleep specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep disorders, including:
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
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Insomnia
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Restless Legs Syndrome
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Circadian Rhythm Disorders
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Hypersomnia & Narcolepsy
We offer in-lab sleep studies, home sleep testing (HST), CPAP and oral appliance therapies, and behavioral sleep medicine.
Take Action This Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Getting screened for breast cancer is essential—so is protecting your long-term health by treating sleep disorders.
✔️ If you’re experiencing snoring, fatigue, or insomnia
✔️ If you’re in treatment or recovering
✔️ If your loved one is a survivor
Now is the time to schedule a sleep consultation.
Better sleep supports better healing.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit www.ComprehensiveSleepCare.com or call (703) 729-3420 to schedule your appointment.
Comprehensive Sleep Care Center is proud to serve patients at the following locations: