Overnights without sleep can have serious consequences for the immune system, new research has revealed. Daily Mail It has been reported.
Kuwait scientists have found that even short-term sleep deprivation increases inflammation and potentially weakens the body’s natural defenses against diseases and infections.
Long-term sleep loss is known to increase the risk of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but this study suggests that one night’s sleep deprivation is more quickly than previously thought.
A study conducted at the Dasmann Diabetes Institute examined how sleep loss affects monocytes. These are white blood cells that play an important role in immune function. Sleep usually promotes lower blood pressure and vasorelaxation, which are essential for your overall health. However, blood tests showed that this natural process was disrupted when participants did without sleep.
Dr. Fatema Al-Rash, who led the study, described the findings as a harsh warning.
“The increased sleep disruption driven by technology use, long hours and lifestyle changes has significant health implications,” she said. “Our research highlights the importance of prioritizing sleep for immune health.”
Five participants with healthy body mass index (BMI) were involved in this study. They were completely deprived of sleep and analyzed blood samples before and after the experiment.
Results showed that one night’s sleep deprivation altered the monocyte profile and increased the presence of nonclassical monocytes. These are immune cells that detect and respond to inflammation. Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can damage healthy tissue and impair immune function.
Writing in the Journal of Immunology, the researchers highlighted the need for further research into how sleep quality affects immune responses, particularly in relation to obesity and chronic diseases.
To further explore this, the researchers conducted a second trial involving 237 healthy adults with varying weights. Participants tracked sleep, diet and physical activity over the week while wearing an accelerometer to measure movement. Blood tests revealed that people who are overweight or obese had poor sleep quality and significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers.
Of the 38 inflammatory markers analyzed, 13 were significantly altered in obese participants compared to healthy-weighted individuals.
Researchers hope to investigate the mechanisms behind these immunity changes and whether improving sleep quality can help reduce the risk of inflammatory symptoms such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The findings arise amid growing concerns about sleep health in the UK. A 2023 poll by the sleep charity found that one in six British people suffer from insomnia, but 65% do not seek medical assistance.
Lack of sleep is associated with a variety of health issues, including cancer, stroke, and infertility. However, experts warn that waking up in the middle of the night doesn’t necessarily mean that a person has insomnia. Common triggers for sleep disorders include stress, caffeine, alcohol, shift work, and jet lag.
For those suffering from sleep deprivation, experts recommend maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, maintaining daytime activity and creating a quiet, screen-free sleep environment.