A single night of restless sleep may impair your immune system, according to new research findings.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that a single night of sleep deprivation can significantly impact the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness. The findings, published in several reputable journals, were led by Dr. Fatema Al-Rashed, a researcher who envisions workplace reforms and educational campaigns promoting better sleep practices, particularly for populations at risk of sleep disruption.
The study, comprising two parts, first monitored the sleep patterns of 237 healthy adults with varying body mass indices (BMIs). In the second part, five participants stayed awake for a full 24 hours. The results showed that short-term sleep loss impairs the immune system by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, elevating cortisol levels due to stress axis activation, and reducing the activity of key immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes.
One of the key findings was the immune system's overreaction to sleep loss, even in the absence of any actual illness. The immune cells that became more active were monocytes and T cells, which play crucial roles in detecting and responding to infections. This overactivation can lead to chronic inflammation or make it harder for the body to respond appropriately to real threats.
The study also found that obesity was associated with higher levels of immune cells that are associated with both poor sleep and higher chronic low-grade inflammation. The researchers used a detailed genetic analysis technique called single-cell RNA sequencing to study how individual immune cells behaved after a night of sleep deprivation compared to a normal night's sleep.
The immune system reacted to sleep loss as if it was under threat, even though there was no infection. This reaction can impair sleep quality and start a detrimental cycle of immune disruption. Epidemiological data link short sleep duration to a greater risk of catching infections like colds and flu, and impaired recovery in seriously ill patients.
Furthermore, disturbed sleep prevents inflammation from resolving overnight, leading to persistent low-level inflammation associated with chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and possibly cancer.
Dr. Al-Rashed emphasized that advancements in technology, prolonged screen time, and shifting societal norms are increasingly disruptive to regular sleeping hours. She stated that it is crucial to address these issues to maintain immune health and overall well-being.
While more studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of sleep loss on immune health, the current findings underscore the importance of prioritizing sleep for a healthier immune system and reduced risk of illness.
Science demonstrates that sleep deprivation can impact the immune system, exacerbating medical-conditions like illnesses and potentially contributing to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and even cancer. Researchers advocate for health-and-wellness initiatives focused on mental-health, promoting good sleep practices to break the detrimental cycle of immune disruption.
