Sleep And Immune Function: The Vital Connection

By: Chris Vasta | Tags: | Comments: 0

Less sleep can make you sick. Studies show that less than seven hours of sleep at night can make you three times more likely to catch a cold.¹ Sleep deprivation compromises the body’s ability to fight infections. Not only does sleep loss lead to vulnerability to germs and more frequent sickness but can also make illnesses more intense and longer lasting.

How Does the Immune System Work?

The immune system is continuously on guard against invading bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. White blood cells and antibodies hunt down and kill microbes and the spleen filters them out of the body. When germs are present, the body deploys defense in two ways: innate and adaptive immunity.

Your innate immunity is an overall defense against non-specific pathogens. It is the immune defense you were both with. That’s your first line of defense against most germs. When this defense fails, your adaptive immunity kicks in to attack specific pathogens that can bypass your innate immunity. Your adaptive immunity is a developed defense and resistance through past exposure to specific pathogens and through vaccinations.

While the immune system protects your body, it still needs support to function. A healthy diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep are all simple lifestyle choices that help maintain robust immunity.

The Impact of Sleep on Immune Function

Good sleep promotes healthy immunity through rejuvenation. Sleep stimulates the production of germ-fighting T and B white blood cells. During deep sleep, our bodies also generate cytokine proteins which protect the body against infection and inflammation. Research suggests that everyone should get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night to fully recharge the immune system.²

How Does Sleep Affect the Immune System?

Sleep deprivation deeply affects all functions of the immune system.³ With sleep loss germ-fighting white blood cell production is reduced, leaving you more susceptible to illness from germ exposure. Infection becomes more likely, even from a simple cut. Immune response is reduced, meaning illnesses become more potent and recovery time takes longer. ⁴

Strategies for Promoting Immune-Boosting Sleep

You can take simple steps to achieve healthier sleep, so your immune system stays strong.

Consistent sleep schedule. Maintaining a regular sleep routine trains the body to fall asleep at the same time every night so that you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Create a conducive sleep environment. Where you sleep is also important. Minimize light sources in your bedroom, including blue light from phones and computers. Maintain a cooler temperature in your sleep space to promote undisturbed sleep time.

Relax before bedtime. Pre-bedtime activities are just as important as bedtime behaviors. Try to wind down before your set sleep time. Practicing meditation can help. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, or caffeinated beverages a few hours before sleeping.

Conclusion

Sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for maintaining immunity. Along with diet and exercise, you should also make healthy sleep an integral part of your life so that you can help your body fight disease. If you are snoring, struggling to sleep, or waking up frequently throughout the night gasping for air, you should consider getting tested for sleep apnea.

Sleep Care Online offers a quick, safe, and affordable way to get tested for sleep apnea in the comfort of your own home. Through a few simple steps, you will know if you have this sleep disorder and the next steps to take to help if necessary. Learn more by visiting our website or calling us at 866.465.4478 today!

Order a Home Sleep Test Today!