What is a potential risk associated with poor sleep quality related to cancer?

Poor sleep quality can significantly impact overall health, and research suggests that it is associated with an increased risk for certain types of cancer. This connection is thought to arise from several factors. Sleep plays a critical role in the body's healing and repair processes, including the functioning of the immune system. A compromised sleep pattern may weaken the immune response, reducing the body's ability to identify and eliminate cancerous cells efficiently.

Additionally, poor sleep quality is associated with various biological changes, including alterations in hormone levels, such as melatonin, which has shown potential tumor-suppressive properties. When sleep is insufficient or of poor quality, melatonin production can decrease, which may lead to an increased risk for tumors, particularly in breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

While the other options touch on health issues related to sleep, they do not directly address the specific correlation between sleep quality and cancer risk. For instance, while poor sleep can indeed contribute to cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, the question specifically targets cancer as an outcome of inadequate sleep, making the increased risk for certain types of cancer the most relevant and accurate answer.