In today’s digital age, staying up late with a phone in hand has almost become a nightly ritual. However, what may seem like harmless late-night scrolling could, in fact, be silently harming your health. As the Head of Medical Oncology at Arête Hospital, I, Dr. Saadvik Raghuram, frequently counsel patients on the profound impact of lifestyle habits on cancer risk. One of the most overlooked factors is disruption of circadian rhythm caused by poor sleep hygiene and excessive screen use at night.

The Science of Melatonin and Circadian Rhythm

The human body follows a natural circadian rhythm, an internal 24-hour clock that regulates essential biological processes including sleep, metabolism, and hormone secretion. Central to this rhythm is melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland during darkness, which signals the body that it is time to rest.

When you scroll your phone late at night, the blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin secretion. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2011) found that exposure to blue light as short as 2 hours at night significantly reduced melatonin production.

This chronic suppression of melatonin does more than just cause poor sleep—it disrupts the circadian rhythm, which is increasingly being linked to cancer risk.

Circadian Disruption and Cancer: What Research Shows

Multiple studies over the last two decades have highlighted the association between circadian rhythm disruption and cancer development:

• The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified night shift work that disrupts circadian rhythms as a “probable carcinogen” (Group 2A).
• A landmark study published in The Lancet Oncology (2015) found that women working long-term night shifts had an increased risk of breast cancer, linked to melatonin suppression.
• Research in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (2017) showed that people with chronic circadian disruption had a higher risk of colorectal and prostate cancers.
• Animal studies published in Cell Reports (2018) demonstrated that disrupted circadian genes can accelerate tumor growth, confirming a biological pathway between poor sleep cycles and cancer progression.

• The consistent evidence is clear: when the circadian clock is disrupted, the body’s ability to repair DNA, regulate cell growth, and control inflammation is impaired—creating an environment where cancer can thrive.

Why Hyderabad Patients Should Be Concerned

Hyderabad is a thriving IT hub, with thousands of professionals working irregular hours, late-night shifts, or spending excessive screen time even after work. As a practicing oncologist in Hyderabad, I see many young patients who are unaware that their lifestyle could be silently elevating their cancer risk.

In a city where access to sunlight during workdays is limited and screen exposure is high, melatonin suppression is a growing concern. Pair this with sedentary lifestyles, stress, and irregular eating patterns, and the risk amplifies.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Health

While we cannot eliminate technology from our lives, we can adopt simple, evidence-based steps to safeguard circadian health:

• Digital Curfew: Avoid screens at least 1–2 hours before bedtime.
• Use Blue Light Filters: Many smartphones and laptops have “night mode” that reduces blue light exposure.
• Prioritize Sleep Hygiene: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
• Dark Environment: Sleep in a completely dark room to allow optimal melatonin secretion.
• Get Morning Sunlight: Exposure to natural light early in the day strengthens circadian rhythm.

Conclusion

Late-night scrolling may feel harmless, but over time it can disrupt melatonin levels, disturb circadian rhythm, and increase cancer risk. As the Best Oncologist in Hyderabad and Best Cancer Doctor in Hyderabad, my goal is to raise awareness about how everyday habits can influence long-term cancer outcomes.

Your health is not only about advanced treatments—it is equally about prevention through mindful living. By protecting your body’s natural clock, you are also protecting yourself from potential cancer risks.

About the Author

Dr. Saadvik Raghuram is the Head of Medical Oncology at Arête Hospital, Hyderabad. Recognized as one of the Best Cancer Doctors in Hyderabad, he specializes in evidence-based cancer care with a focus on prevention, early detection, and advanced treatment options.