A recent study has found that just one night of sleep deprivation can significantly alter the immune system, increasing inflammation and potentially raising the risk of chronic illnesses. Researchers examined healthy individuals and discovered that missing sleep leads to an increase in immune cells that trigger inflammation.
The study, conducted at Kuwait’s Dasman Diabetes Institute, involved 237 adults with different body weights. Participants’ sleep patterns were tracked using wearable devices, allowing researchers to monitor how sleep loss affected immune responses. The findings revealed that sleep deprivation led to an increase in non-classical monocytes—immune cells linked to inflammation—regardless of body weight.
Dr. Fatema Al-Rashed, one of the lead researchers, explained that modern lifestyles, including late-night screen exposure and irregular work hours, contribute to disrupted sleep patterns. This, in turn, may have serious consequences for immune health and overall well-being.
Deep sleep plays a crucial role in restoring the body and regulating immune responses. Experts recommend maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and limiting screen exposure before bedtime to support better sleep quality.
These findings emphasise the importance of prioritising sufficient rest to keep the immune system functioning properly and reduce inflammation-related health risks.
