To acknowledge World Cancer Day, we stand united in raising awareness about cancer prevention and overall well-being. While diet, exercise, and medical screenings are often highlighted as key health pillars, quality sleep is too often overlooked. However, it plays a crucial role in disease prevention, immune function, and recovery. At Auckland Sleep, we believe that better sleep leads to better health. Our multidisciplinary team of sleep specialists is dedicated to helping New Zealanders understand the impact of sleep on well-being and make sleep a priority.
“Good sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it’s a vital process that supports immune function, hormone regulation, and cardiovascular health,” says Dr. Sumit Samant, Founder of Auckland Sleep. “When sleep is disrupted, the body struggles to heal and protect itself.”
Can Poor Sleep Increase Cancer Risk?
Although no conclusive evidence directly links sleep disorders to cancer, growing research suggests chronic sleep deprivation may weaken the body’s ability to prevent and fight disease.
- Weakened Immune System – Poor sleep lowers the body’s ability to detect and fight abnormal cell growth.
- Inflammation & Cell Damage – Chronic sleep deprivation increases inflammation, which is linked to disease development.
- Hormonal Imbalance – Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, also has antioxidant properties that may protect cells.
- Increased Stress & Poor Recovery – Lack of sleep heightens stress hormones like cortisol, which can weaken immune defenses.
“When we prioritize sleep, we give our body the tools it needs to recover, fight illness, and function at its best,” explains Dr. Sumit Samant.
How Sleep Affects Overall Health
Many New Zealanders struggle with poor sleep quality, affecting everything from mental clarity to chronic disease risk. Here’s how better sleep improves your health:
1. Strengthens the Immune System
A strong immune system helps defend against infections, inflammation, and even some chronic illnesses. Poor sleep can weaken your immune response, making it harder for your body to heal and recover.
2. Supports Heart & Cardiovascular Health
Conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke have been linked to inadequate sleep. Sleep helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate, reducing strain on the cardiovascular system.
3. Enhances Brain Function & Mental Health
Quality sleep improves memory, focus, and mood regulation. It lowers the risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, which can be worsened by sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnoea.
4. Regulates Hormones & Metabolism
Sleep affects hormones that control appetite, metabolism, and stress levels. Poor sleep has been linked to weight gain, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
5. Helps the Body Repair & Recover
During deep sleep, the body produces growth hormones that help repair muscles, tissues, and cells. For those undergoing cancer treatment, sleep plays a key role in recovery and overall strength.
“When sleep is disrupted, so is the body’s ability to heal, regulate stress, and restore balance,” says Anitha Patel, Senior Sleep Navigator. “That’s why we focus on making sleep accessible for everyone.”
The Sleep Cycle & Why It Matters
A healthy sleep cycle consists of:
- Non-REM sleep – Supports deep rest, cell repair, and muscle recovery.
- REM sleep – Enhances brain function, emotional regulation, and memory.
Disruptions to circadian rhythms—our body’s internal clock—can lead to:
- Insomnia – Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Sleep Apnoea – Interrupted breathing, leading to low oxygen levels
At Auckland Sleep, our team helps diagnose and treat sleep disorders to ensure you get the quality sleep your body needs.
Prioritizing Sleep for a Healthier Future
Take action by making better sleep a priority:
- Stick to a consistent sleep routine – Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.
- Create a relaxing nighttime environment – Reduce screen time and sleep in a cool, dark room.
- Seek support for sleep issues – Addressing sleep disorders improves long-term health and well-being.
“At Auckland Sleep, we take a human-centered approach to sleep health, ensuring every patient receives personalized care and expert guidance,” says
Join Us in Making a Difference
Let’s commit to better sleep and overall health.
Struggling with sleep? Contact Auckland Sleep today.
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- Sleep & Workplace Well-being: The Key to Healthy, Happy Employees
Prioritised Rest for a Thriving Workplace
This World Cancer Day, we reflected on the importance of prioritising sleep for overall well-being—something that goes hand in hand with building healthy, happy workplaces. A well-rested team is a more productive, resilient, and engaged team.
“Quality sleep doesn’t just impact individuals—it influences entire workplaces,” says Dr. Sumit Samant, Founder of Auckland Sleep. “Prioritising sleep can enhance focus, decision-making, and overall job satisfaction.”
