Sleep replenishes the weapons in the arsenal of your immunity
Three weeks ago, it was the first time that I got infected with Covid-19 in more than 2.5 years since the pandemic started. While in isolation, the idea occurred to me to dedicate a blog post to how sleep affects our immune system.
There is a close relationship between our sleep health and our immune system. For example, did you know that people who sleep less than 7 hours are three times more likely to catch a cold. People who sleep less than 5 hours are 70% more likely to get pneumonia. Another interesting fact is that if you don't get enough sleep in the week before your flu shot, your immune system is 50% less activated. Perhaps something to keep in mind when getting a flu shot or booster shot.
But what is an immune system?
The immune system is our body's defence system and protects us from internal and external pathogens. The immune system is located throughout our whole body, including in your blood, skin, intestines and respiratory tract. The parts of the immune system communicate closely with each other with the aim of quickly neutralizing threats to the body.
A good night's sleep boosts your immune system
Deep sleep during the night and the substances released in this phase in particular affect your immune system. These substances also play a role in the memory formation of your immune system. A good night's sleep also ensures that your immune system can build a better memory against the pathogens you encounter every day. Think of cold or flu viruses, or viruses against which you have been vaccinated, so that you are better protected against these diseases.
A good immune system is good for your sleep
Harvard researchers have discovered in a study with mice that a substance produced within the immune system has a sleep-inducing effect. This substance is called interleukin-1 beta and is also found in humans. This would mean that a well-functioning immune system also ensures better sleep. When you don't sleep well (enough), your immune system will weaken. In addition to being more susceptible to pathogens, less sleep-promoting substances are also produced. As a result, you sleep less deeply, and you can end up in a vicious circle.
Your body needs enough rest to boost its immunity. But as we have seen, the immune system also plays a role in improving the body's sleep. This makes both bodily functions mutually beneficial and important.
Sleep replenishes the weapons in the arsenal of your immunity
This quote encompasses everything I have set out above. Sleep stimulates the production of immune factors, and your body is activated to quickly neutralize threats to the body. After a good night's sleep, you are much more immune and robust the next morning. Sleep can therefore be seen as the best health insurance. So my advice for the next time you're sick, give in to that need for rest and sleep.
Sources: @peterattiamd @drmattwalker @yugenkombucha @somnox.sleep