Just one night of poor sleep could have these surprising health effects

New evidence is shedding light on the critical role that sleep plays in overall health. A recent study published in The Journal of Immunology has found a connection between sleep deprivation and the immune system, as well as the potential development of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease through inflammation.

Researchers at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Dasman, Kuwait, conducted a study with 237 participants to explore how sleep quality affects systemic inflammation and immune response. The findings revealed that individuals who were obese had lower sleep quality and higher chronic low-grade inflammation. Additionally, sleep disruption was found to contribute to inflammation regardless of obesity status.

In a subset of the study, five healthy participants were deprived of sleep for 24 hours and monitored throughout the experiment. The results showed that just one night of sleep deprivation led to a disruption in immune cells, specifically monocytes, similar to what was observed in obese participants.

The researchers concluded that improving sleep quality could reduce inflammation and improve overall health outcomes. Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, a licensed clinical psychologist, emphasized the intricate connection between sleep, obesity, and inflammation. She noted that promoting healthy sleep can benefit immune function and reverse the negative effects of a poor night’s sleep after two nights of recovery.

Dr. Clayton Skaggs, founder and CEO of the Central Institute for Human Performance, highlighted the importance of timely rest. During sleep, the body releases proteins called cytokines that help fight infection and regulate inflammation. A lack of sleep disrupts this process, leaving the immune system in an activated, pro-inflammatory state.

Skaggs also pointed out that sleep deprivation can lead to imbalances in stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, further impacting inflammation and immune regulation. While a single night of poor sleep may not cause immediate illness in healthy individuals, frequent episodes of sleep loss can predispose individuals to chronic inflammatory conditions, increased susceptibility to infections, and impaired vaccine responses.

These findings underscore the critical role of sleep in supporting immune function and enhancing overall health. It is essential to prioritize quality sleep to maintain a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of developing chronic inflammatory conditions.

For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. Remember, a good night’s sleep is crucial for your overall well-being.