Weakened Immune System
Most people are familiar with the feeling of being tired after a poor night’s sleep. But what many don’t realize is that chronic sleep deprivation can seriously affect health. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making sleep-deprived individuals more susceptible to infection and illness.
There are several ways in which sleep deprivation can weaken immunity. For one, sleep deprivation leads to elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This, in turn, can suppress the production of infection-fighting cells such as natural killer cells and T-cells. Sleep deprivation can also cause inflammation throughout the body, making it more difficult for the immune system to fight off illness. When someone is sleep-deprived, the body produces less cytokine or proteins that help regulate immunity and fight off infection.
Having a weakened immune system can lead to all sorts of health problems. People who lack sleep are more susceptible to colds and other viral infections. And if sleep-deprived individuals happen to get sick, it will likely take them longer to recover than someone who is well-rested. Additionally, chronic inflammation caused by sleep deprivation can increase one’s risk for conditions such as heart disease.
