Sleep Deprivation Tied To Cancer Risk

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you want to fight heart disease, get out and exercise right? Most people are aware of this. But do you know that exercise may be one of the best defenses against cancer??

We have seen this in multiple studies. But exercise isn't the only surprising defense against cancer. Getting a good night's sleep can protect you as well.

Sleeping less than 7 hours per night has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, even among those who are physically active.

It appears that sleep duration can affect the strength of the relationship between physical exercise and cancer risk.

All of this information comes from the National Cancer Institute where they are spending more and more time looking at lifestyle. It is clear that lifestyle changes have a role not only in cancer, but in most aspects of our overall health.