The body can sometimes send subtle signals in the early stages of cancer — and while most people notice symptoms during waking hours, certain signs that appear during sleep may serve as early warnings.
اضافة اعلان
Recent studies suggest that some nighttime disturbances may be more than just minor annoyances, potentially signaling an increased risk of cancer. Experts have identified two key symptoms that may indicate the development of certain cancers if they occur repeatedly during sleep:
1. Excessive night sweats
2. Sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep)
1. Night Sweats and Their Link to Cancer
Heavy night sweats — intense enough to require changing clothes — are associated with various conditions, including lymphoma and leukemia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, when this sweating is not caused by external factors such as room temperature or medication, it may be the body's immune response to abnormal cell growth.
Dr. Jennifer Cullen Bein, a hematology specialist, emphasizes that persistent, intense night sweats, especially if accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever, should prompt a thorough medical evaluation.
A report by Cancer Research UK supports this, identifying night sweats as an early symptom of certain cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia. These symptoms may be caused by immune activation due to growing cancer cells disrupting normal bodily functions.
2. Sleep Apnea and Cancer Risk
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and restart. While it’s known to affect sleep quality, recent research also connects it to higher cancer risks.
A 2019 Canadian study involving over 30,000 participants found that individuals with severe sleep apnea had higher cancer rates, particularly kidney, pancreatic, and lung cancer. Lead researcher Dr. Tetyana Kendzerska explained that chronic oxygen deprivation during sleep may trigger biological processes that promote cancer cell growth and spread.
Why These Nighttime Signs Are Concerning
Both night sweats and sleep apnea may reflect chronic inflammation and immune system activation — conditions often linked to cancer. Night sweats may result from the immune system fighting abnormal (possibly cancerous) cells. Meanwhile, the intermittent lack of oxygen in sleep apnea can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and possibly genetic mutations.
Doctors urge people not to ignore these signs, especially if they occur frequently, and are accompanied by other symptoms like chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or visible lumps in the neck or underarms.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a physician if you experience:
Severe and frequent night sweats without a clear cause
Repeated breathing pauses during sleep, or if a bed partner notices loud snoring followed by silence
Additional symptoms like weight loss, nighttime fever, or persistent fatigue
Family history of cancer
Final Note
While these two signs are not definitive indicators of cancer, they should not be ignored. Their persistence may warrant medical attention to rule out serious causes. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
