A lack of sleep could permanently damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer, scientists believe. The recommended amount of sleep is generally seven hours a night, but figures suggest adults routinely miss out on an hour or two. What's more, the DNA damage increased a further 25 per cent after a night of sleep deprivation. The study authors wrote: 'DNA damage is a change in the basic structure of DNA that is not repaired when the DNA is replicated. It is not clear, according to the researchers, why DNA damage occurs due to a lack of sleep.

Source: Daily Mail February 11, 2019 09:18 UTC