By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    healthy hobbies
    The Importance of Hobbies for Our Health
    September 15, 2024
    Whiplash
    Understanding Whiplash: A Guide For Healthcare Practitioners
    January 22, 2025
    research chemicals and health care
    Chemical Research Drive Medical Breakthroughs
    June 14, 2023
    Latest News
    7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
    August 20, 2025
    Hospital Pest Control and the Fight Against Superbugs
    August 20, 2025
    Hygiene Beyond The Clinic: Attention To Overlooked Non-Clinical Spaces
    August 13, 2025
    5 Steps to a Promising Career as a Healthcare Administrator
    August 3, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Hospitals and Providers Using NHIN (Nationwide Health Information Network)
    March 11, 2012
    Image
    Physicians With High Productivity And Satisfaction Scores Employ Strong Patient-Centered Communication Skills
    May 7, 2013
    My Solution to the Healthcare Crisis
    March 31, 2012
    Latest News
    How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
    August 22, 2025
    How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
    August 22, 2025
    How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
    August 22, 2025
    How IT and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate to Protect Patient Trust
    July 17, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Sleep And Immunity: What Is The Connection?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Insomnia > Sleep And Immunity: What Is The Connection?
InsomniaWellness

Sleep And Immunity: What Is The Connection?

Caitlin Evans
Caitlin Evans
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

  We often take our immune system for granted, and expect our bodies to get over any illness life throws at them, or to not get ill at all, on their own accord. We forget to appreciate our good health when we have it, and moan at our lack of foresight when the way we treat our bodies backfires on us. One of the most important aspects of taking care of our bodies is getting enough sleep. Yet sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice at the altar of a late night with friends, a work assignment, or a new show on Netflix. Let’s explore what the connection between our immune system and sleep is, and how we can improve it.

Contents
  • What does a lack of sleep do to our immune system?
  • How much sleep do I need?
  • How can I get the sleep I need?
  • Final thoughts

What does a lack of sleep do to our immune system?

Studies have shown that when we don’t get enough sleep, we are more prone to suffering from viral infections, such as the common cold. A lack of sleep can also prolong the effects and symptoms of these infections, and have us feeling less than our usual selves for a lot longer. While we sleep, our immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help us sleep better. The production of some of these proteins also needs to increase when we are fighting off an infection or an inflammation, and the same thing needs to happen when we are under stress. When we deprive ourselves of sleep, the production of these beneficial proteins will be lowered, and we might suffer the consequences of a less-prepared immune system. Another thing that happens when we don’t get enough sleep is that some of the antibodies that help us fight infections are also reduced, and we are thus left with lowered defenses. When we are consistently sleep-deprived, we are also at a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and a whole host of other illnesses, as our body can no longer function as it would if we allowed it proper rest.

How much sleep do I need?

This is a very common question we can’t always answer simply. In most cases, though, a healthy adult will need around 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night. On the other hand, if you have a physically demanding job, are working out a lot, or are under more stress than usual, you might need a bit more. Also, forget about sleeping a couple of extra hours on the weekend to make up for staying up late during the week – you can’t repay a sleep debt that way. The only right way to do it is to focus on having a consistent routine. The quality of your sleep is also very important. If you don’t sleep well, you will not be waking up refreshed and rejuvenated. You’ll likely end up getting out of bed in the morning just as tired as you were when you went to sleep the night before.

How can I get the sleep I need?

The first thing you want to do is get into a good sleeping schedule. Make sure it fits your particular lifestyle and your needs, and try to be as consistent in practicing it as you can. You will also want to invest in a quality mattress, one that fits your sleeping habits, and that can help your body relax and drift off to deep sleep more easily. If you keep tossing and turning, or wake up with back pain, your mattress probably doesn’t suit you. You should also invest in a quality and personalized evening and morning routine. The former is there to help you clear your mind before bed and help you fall asleep, while the latter is aimed at helping you get out of bed more easily and preparing you for the day ahead. You will, of course, want to create these routines based on your schedule and lifestyle, but some of the more general rules you should apply include:

More Read

The Role of Wearable Tech in Prescription Medicine
Continua’s Chuck Parker on Connected Health (transcript)
Apple Watch: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Traumatic Brain Injury and Violent Behavior
New Alzheimer’s Care Site Promotes Community
  • setting optimal temperatures in your bedroom
  • reducing screen time before bed
  • going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
  • getting up early enough to do your morning chores without a rush

Once you have all of this down, you will need some practice and some time to get yourself into the routine, and the routine into your system. Once that has been accomplished, you’ll start to notice the benefits it has not only on the quality of your sleep, but also the quality of your lifestyle overall.

Final thoughts

Your immunity depends a lot on the way you sleep. So instead of giving up your rest, focus your energy on getting the sleep you need – and notice how your life gets better the longer you keep at it.

TAGGED:boost immunityhealthy sleepimmune boostingimmune systemimmunitysleepsleep healthsleep hygiene
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Caitlin Evans
Caitlin is a medical student, bookworm and fitness enthusiast. She is especially interested in modern medicine and nutrition. Caitlin is a huge supporter of ''knowledge sharing is caring'' philosophy, so she enjoys blogging about medicine and wellness related topics whenever she gets a chance.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025
engineer fitting prosthetic arm
How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
Health care
August 20, 2025
a woman explaining the document
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
Public Health
August 20, 2025

You Might also Like

home grown plants
Home HealthWellness

Homegrown Plants That Are Proven to Benefit Your Health!

October 13, 2020
Home HealthSpecialties

Top 10 Tips To Maintain A Glowing Smile

November 24, 2018
Wellness

Body Odor and Skin Bacteria

September 14, 2013
Image
eHealthWellness

Is Design Important in Healthcare?

June 23, 2014
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?