Melanin & Pink Ribbons

Let’s talk about two things that don’t always get linked together but should: breast cancer and sleep problems. Many Black women are dealing with both, and the connection is stronger than most people realize.

Sleep and Breast Cancer Risk

Research shows that Black women who don’t get enough sleep—or whose sleep is restless—may face a higher risk of aggressive breast cancer, like triple-negative breast cancer. That’s the type we know shows up more often in our community and can be harder to treat. Short sleep (less than six hours) and poor sleep quality have been tied to higher chances of certain breast cancer subtypes. That means the way we sleep might play a role not just in our overall health, but in how breast cancer shows up in our bodies.

Survivors and Insomnia

For Black breast cancer survivors, the struggle with sleep is very real. Almost half report insomnia or serious sleep problems after treatment. Fear of recurrence, pain, fatigue, and even the side effects of chemo or radiation can keep sleep away night after night. And when we don’t rest, fatigue and depression hit even harder. Studies also show that Black women survivors report worse sleep than White survivors, often with shorter rest and more nighttime wake-ups. It’s a health gap that doesn’t get talked about enough.

Why Sleep Matters

Sleep isn’t just “rest.” It’s healing time for the body. While we sleep, hormones like melatonin help regulate estrogen, the immune system repairs itself, and inflammation gets controlled. Without enough of it, our bodies can’t fight back as strongly.

What You Can Do

• Take sleep seriously. Don’t brush off insomnia as “just stress.” It’s a real health issue.
• Talk to your doctor. If you’re a breast cancer survivor struggling with sleep, ask about sleep management options. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), support groups, or medication may help.
• Set boundaries with rest. Turn off screens, dim the lights, and give your mind space to wind down.
• Pay attention to stress. Journaling, prayer, and meditation can help quiet the thoughts that keep you awake at night.

The Bottom Line

There is a real connection between sleep problems and breast cancer in Black women. While insomnia doesn’t “cause” breast cancer, poor sleep may increase risk for more aggressive types and make recovery harder for survivors. Protecting your rest is protecting your health.