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You are here: Home / SLEEP / The Impact of Sleep on the Immune System

By Accent Sleep Solutions

The Impact of Sleep on the Immune System

After tossing and turning during the night, your primary concern might be feeling tired during the day. However, inadequate sleep can also negatively impact your immune health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one-third of adults regularly do not get enough sleep.

How your immune system is affected by sleep

Your immune system and sleep are interconnected. Feelings of sleepiness are triggered by your immune system. While you sleep, your body’s natural defenses are bolstered. Researchers continue to explore the relationship between immune health and sleep.

While you have likely heard that getting more sleep is important, daily stresses might interfere with sleep. You might find yourself locked in a continuing cycle of inadequate sleep and illness. If your immune system is in poor health, any existing sleep disorders you might have can be exacerbated.

How inadequate sleep affects immune health

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, suffering a small amount of sleep deprivation can cause you to develop chronic immune disorders. Researchers have found that people who only get four hours of sleep during a night can suffer the following problems:

  • Reduced functioning of killer T-cells
  • Increase in inflammatory cytokines
  • Decreased antibody response to influenza vaccinations
  • Increased infection risk

Other research has also found that people who regularly get good sleep two weeks before being exposed to the rhinovirus have a much lower chance of developing the common cold.

Chronically deprived sleep can cause serious long-term consequences. It has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, chronic illness, and cardiovascular disease. Some people might also develop anxiety, mild depression, or irritability.

How to get good sleep when you are ill

When you are ill, getting good sleep can help you to recover faster. Your immune health is affected by your circadian rhythms. Hormones that are necessary for producing antibodies are also affected by your circadian rhythms. As the day progresses, fewer of these hormones are released. This typically means that you might experience worsened symptoms at night that can interrupt your sleep.

If you have trouble falling asleep at night while you are ill, you can try the following approaches:

  • Don’t take daytime cough medicine at night.
  • Take a warm shower before bed to clear your sinuses.
  • Elevate your head with pillows.
  • Keep a glass of water and tissues nearby.
  • Take a 20- to 30-minute nap during the day.

When should you see a doctor?

While poor sleep can negatively impact your immune system, it doesn’t mean that a single night of poor sleep will cause serious illness. Your body will respond by increasing your sleep intensity. If you give yourself sufficient time, you will likely recover without any further problems.

If you have tried to maintain good sleep and personal hygiene but have been met with limited success, you should consult with a reputable sleep doctor. Contact the Gainesville, Florida practice of Accent Sleep Solutions to schedule an appointment by calling us at 352.271.5375.

Filed Under: SLEEP

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Accent Sleep Solutions
4340 West Newberry Road, Suite 301
Gainesville, FL 32607

Telephone: (352) 271-5375
Fax: (352) 271-5393

For inquiries email us at: [email protected]

Why Choose Us?

At Accent Sleep Solutions, we continually strive to provide comprehensive, compassionate and individualized care for patients with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. With specialized training and board certification in both otolaryngology and sleep medicine, Dr. Phillips and his staff are able to accurately diagnose and treat all sleep disorders, providing medical and surgical solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. Dr. Phillips is also affiliated with the North Florida Regional Healthcare Sleep Disorders Center, a center of excellence in the diagnosis of sleep disorders.

The North Florida Sleep Disorders Center

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

The American College of Surgeon

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