Sleep and Your Immune System: What You Need to Know. Nationally renowned Pediatrician, parenting and sleep expert, Dr. Harvey Karp explains why sleep is so critical to staying health
“There is a reason why “sick and tired” just rolls off the tongue,” offers Dr. Harvey Karp, best-selling author Happiest Baby on the Block, Happiest Toddler on the Block and creator of the safe baby bed, The Snoo. “That’s because studies show that being sick and being tired go hand in hand. Sleep deprivation suppresses your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.” Karp offered some sleep data and information not just for new and expectant parents (his usual fan base) but also for those dealing with the COVID-19 with or without children. Of course, getting the best glutathione supplement can help promote a healthy immune function. However, such supplements should be taken after fulfilling basic body requirements such as sleep.
Being sleep deprived makes us more likely to catch a cold. In a 2009 study, people sleeping less than 7 hours per night had a 3 times greater risk of catching a cold than those with 8 hours or more.
We all know that fatigue makes us crankier and easily inflamed, but it actually undermines a key part of the body’s inflammatory response-called cytokines- which are absolutely essential for fighting off infections.
As exhaustion rises so does the risk of serious infection. In a study of 57,000 women, those trying to get by on less than 5 hours of sleep a night had a 50% increase in risk of pneumonia.
There are many ways in which we can achieve a better level of quality sleep. Going to bed at the same time each day, avoiding TV, computer, and phone use for at least 30 minutes to an hour has a significant impact on sleep. This helps the body produce sleep chemicals that make it easier for us to fall asleep for longer. If none of these methods work, then you may want to consider taking help of experts at Gwinnett Sleep or similar others in the field to identify the root cause of the problem and devise a treatment plan accordingly. If left untreated, lack of sleep can lead to secondary issues like Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Narcolepsy, Insomnia, and more. Hence, it’s best to consult the doctor at the earliest. Also, did you know that the mattress we sleep on is also an important factor in sleep? Therefore, finding the best mattress australia 2021 is a must for those struggling to fall asleep.
By improving the amount we sleep and how we fall asleep, we can improve our immune systems significantly. Several studies have found that sleep promotes a stronger immune response to vaccines-which improves our body’s immunological memory. Sleep may also help our T cells better glom onto their target to fight infection, according to a recent study out of Germany.
In conclusion, the amount of quality sleep you get can significantly affect your chances of becoming sick and your immune response. In these times where our health is of the utmost importance, perhaps our sleep should be a top priority as well.
