Lack Of Sleep: Recent Study Shows How Sleep Deprivation Makes A Person's Immune System Weak

A recent study shows that sleep deprivation does not only affect the mood but also it disables the immune system from functioning properly. The researchers from UV Medicine Sleep Center studies 11 pairs of identical twins who have different patterns of sleeping. Blood samples were also taken from each of the twins.

According to Daily Mail, the research is one of the first studies that applies "real world" scenarios to confirm how not having adequate sleep impedes white blood cell, the cells responsible for protecting the body against diseases. "What we show is that the immune system functions best when it gets enough sleep. Seven or more hours of sleep is recommended for optimal health," said Dr. Nathaniel Watson, the research's lead author.

Unfortunately with most Americans nowadays, they sleep for about one and a half to two hours less compared to before. Also, there are about one-third of the entire working people who "sleep less than six hours per night." The study, which aimed to provide additional evidence of sleep to the entire health and well-being of a person. More specifically it deals with the immune system.

Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic shared in a response about the chances of a person to get sick once they fail to have sufficient sleep. "Studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus," Dr. Eric Olson said. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

This is because while sleeping, the immune system produces proteins that are known as cytokines. These proteins are important as it helps with inflammation, infection, and during stressful situations. On the other hand, sleep deprivation may lower the production of the necessary cytokines. Therefore, it's just as important to have their own well-deserved sleep.