A recent study has highlighted the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on the immune system. Dr. Aristotelis Laliotis, a medical practitioner at Sharp Health Care, elaborates on these findings and provides advice for improving sleep quality.
Dr. Laliotis emphasizes the importance of adequate sleep for overall health, stating, "Sleep is vital because it allows our bodies and brains to rest, repair and recharge." He further explains, "Healthy sleep is a key pillar of a robust immune system and has been shown to play a role in both improving antibody responses to vaccinations and reducing susceptibility to infectious illnesses."
In addition to increasing the risk of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and depression, insufficient sleep can also adversely affect the immune system. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals that chronic sleep deprivation can disrupt immune function. According to Laliotis who is a board-certified internal medicine and sleep medicine doctor with Sharp Medical Group: "Sleep allows our body to engage in essential restorative processes. Quality sleep strengthens the immune system, allowing for balanced and effective immune function," as reported by Sharp Health News.
Laliotis explains that sleep deprivation impacts the production of monocytes - a type of white blood cell integral to our immune response. Adults who do not get enough sleep produce more monocytes than usual which leads to an overactive immune system. While an increase in white blood cells might seem beneficial for immunity, Laliotis warns that this is not necessarily the case: "Sleep loss increases the number of monocytes which are proinflammatory. An overactive immune system results in inflammation and can potentially raise the risk of both auto-immune diseases and chronic diseases," as stated in a news release from Sharp Health News.
To prevent excessive inflammation in the immune system, it is recommended that adults aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night. To improve sleep quality, Laliotis suggests several lifestyle modifications such as taking time to unwind before bed, incorporating regular exercise into one's routine, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and avoiding alcohol consumption at night. Implementing these strategies can enhance both sleep quality and immune function, according to a news release from Sharp Health News.
