The Impact of a Lack of Sleep on the Immune System

An image of a hand stopping a virus

The Importance of Sleep For Our Immune System

One of the most noteworthy consequences of sleep deprivation is the severe impact it has on our immune system. Sleep is of the utmost importance for protecting our body from infections, diseases and fighting off all types of sickness. The immune system actively stimulates the sleep system if you do fall ill. It will demand more bed rest to help strengthen the war effort. This is because sleep and the immune system have a bidirectional relationship. Reducing sleep for even a single night will jeopardize your immune system significantly.

The Connection Between Average Sleep Duration and the Likelihood of Illness

Studies indicate a correlation between the amount of sleep and the likelihood of falling ill. This is clearly illustrated by an in-depth study in 2015 which researched the connection between sleep duration and infection rate. A comparison was made between two groups of people who obtained a different amount of sleep for one week before coming into contact with a virus.

  • Group A obtained seven hours or more sleep per night in the week prior. Individuals of group A had a 18% chance of becoming infected with the virus.
  • Group B obtained five hours of sleep on average per night in the week prior. Individuals of group B had a 50% chance of becoming infected with the virus.

The sleep deprived individuals had a weaker immune system. Therefore, they were much more likely to become infected and fall ill. Infectious illnesses such as the common cold, influenza and pneumonia are among the leading causes of deaths in the developed world. Governments and doctors would do well to spread awareness about the critical importance of sufficient sleep during flu season. Especially nowadays, when the world is entangled in a fierce battle with the corona virus. Furthermore, a disrupted immune system also increases the likelihood of developing cancer.

A woman lying ill in bed

The Impact of Inadequate Sleep on the Effectiveness of a Vaccine

The effectiveness of a vaccine is highly dependent on the ability of the immune system to create powerful antibodies. Research indicates that individuals who were sleep deprived during the week before receiving a vaccine produced less than 50 percent of the immune reaction compared to well-slept individuals. Moreover, it is impossible to undo this effect. Even after sleeping three weeks of recovery sleep to get over the assault of one week of short sleeping. These individuals never go on to develop a full immune reaction to the vaccine. The damage done is irreversible and can even be measured a year after receiving the vaccine.

This information is very important. Especially nowadays when the whole world is in the process of getting vaccinated for Covid 19. I therefore urge anyone to share this information with people close to you. Especially if they have yet to receive the corona vaccine as it can prove to be the difference between life and death. This also applies to receiving a booster shot. As a result, make sure to get plenty of consistent sleep in the week before your appointment in order to allow your body to produce the necessary amount of powerful antibodies.