Is overcoming the fear of the boogie man by using a night light, putting us at a higher risk to get cancer? A good night's sleep in total darkness might aid in reducing cancer risks. The hormone melatonin, which is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and plays an important role in the body's sleep cycle, is thought to influence the secretion of estrogen, which in turn influences breast cancer risk.

Melatonin is produced after the body is subjected to sunlight during the day and then while you are asleep in total darkness with no lights interfering with the brain waves, it is produced. It is only produced when your body is in complete darkness. Research found that totally blind women had a 36 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared with sighted women.

According to additional research, women who work regular night shifts have a higher risk of colon cancer. "While this finding needs to be replicated in future studies, the data is beginning to show that it may be melatonin, not estrogen, that is influencing cancer risk," researcher Dr Eva Schernhammer said. "If melatonin's anti-cancer properties are the source of our observed effects, this research opens a whole new arena of potential associations between exposure to light and a variety of cancers."

Studies show that sleeping with a night light, television on, or light from street lights peering through bedroom windows, reduces melatonin levels in the body. Experts are also evaluating the possible link between childhood leukemia and too much light at night. Several studies have concluded that people who work at night are more likely to develop breast cancer.

It is suggested that no night lights be used, televisions be turned off, and that shades and dark curtains be used to block outside street or security lighting from entering the room you sleep in so that your brain waves will not be affected and your body will produce melatonin naturally.