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
    physical health
    5 Ways Playing Games Can Improve Neural and Physical Health
    September 9, 2022
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    February 16, 2022
    healthcare organization
    5 Actionable Strategies For Healthcare Organizations
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    Managing Your Health After a Worksite Accident
    December 8, 2023
    Biohazard Cleanup: The Importance of Proper Disposal and Containment
    December 2, 2023
    Medicare Helps Seniors, and People with Disabilities & ESRD
    November 27, 2023
    The Link Between Allergies and Sinusitis & Strategies for Relief
    November 27, 2023
  • 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
    Travel & Health: How to do it Safely
    January 8, 2021
    benefits of health insurance
    Health Insurance Schemes: Find the Right One for Your Family by Doing This
    July 27, 2021
    healthcare entrepreneurs
    Six Common Barriers to Accessing Health Care… and How to Help Patients Overcome Them
    September 22, 2021
    Latest News
    Automation in Pharmacovigilance: A Double-Edged Sword
    November 15, 2023
    What Does Science Say About Modern Health Practices?
    November 12, 2023
    Harnessing the Power of Email Marketing in Healthcare
    October 26, 2023
    10 Proven Strategies to Level Up Your Health Business
    October 25, 2023
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Sleep And Immunity: What Is The Connection?
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
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
Last updated: 2020/04/21 at 3:08 PM
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:

  • 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 immunity, healthy sleep, immune boosting, immune system, immunity, sleep, sleep health, sleep hygiene

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Caitlin Evans April 21, 2020 April 21, 2020
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter 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.
Previous Article 5 Tips To Squeeze Time Out To Exercise During Holidays
Next Article How Medical Professionals Should Handle Waste During COVID-19

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

Managing Your Health After a Worksite Accident
Managing Your Health After a Worksite Accident
Health December 8, 2023
How to Plan for a Dental Implant Procedure
How to Plan for a Dental Implant Procedure
Dental health December 8, 2023
weight loss
The Key Steps For Affective Weight Loss And Improving Health
Weight Loss Wellness December 6, 2023
Empowering Wellness: HBOT for Home Use Demystified
Empowering Wellness: HBOT for Home Use Demystified
Wellness December 5, 2023

You Might also Like

weight loss
Weight LossWellness

The Key Steps For Affective Weight Loss And Improving Health

December 6, 2023
Empowering Wellness: HBOT for Home Use Demystified
Wellness

Empowering Wellness: HBOT for Home Use Demystified

December 5, 2023
Weight Loss

Unlocking a Healthier You: Shedding Unwanted Pounds

November 29, 2023
hearing aids
Wellness

Navigating the World of Hearing Aids with Confidence

November 29, 2023
Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow US
© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?