{"id":1119,"date":"2020-03-31T16:32:32","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T16:32:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/?p=1119"},"modified":"2021-01-27T18:36:00","modified_gmt":"2021-01-27T18:36:00","slug":"how-sleep-boosts-your-immune-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepdunwoody.com\/blog\/2020\/03\/31\/how-sleep-boosts-your-immune-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How Sleep Boosts the Immune System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The immune system is pretty much your body\u2019s superhero \u2014 it recognizes viruses, bacteria and parasites that are harmful to your body and fights them. And just like any superhero, your immune system must remain healthy to effectively fight off the invaders. So, keeping your immune system as healthy as possible is certainly in your best interest. But how do you do it? One of the easiest, yet oft-overlooked contributors to an optimal immune system: good ol\u2019 quality sleep! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Proper Sleep Boosts Immunity <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may sound too easy to be true, but quality sleep can work wonders for keeping you healthy. Here\u2019s how: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Sleep proactively fights infection<\/strong> by helping your body release more cytokines, the protein that targets infection and inflammation. Cytokines are produced and released during sleep, so without good rest, you\u2019re robbing your body of the essential proteins that it needs to keep you healthy. One study<\/a> found that people who slept less than five hours, or slept between five and six hours, were at a greater risk of developing the common cold than those who slept more than seven hours per night.\u00a0<\/li>
  2. When you do get sick, research shows that good sleep might help you get better faster<\/strong>. Ever wonder why you feel more sleepy when you\u2019re sick? That\u2019s no coincidence \u2014 there\u2019s a connection between sleep and healing. Need proof? Scientific studies on sick fruit flies<\/a> and worms<\/a> have found that they sleep more when sick, too. Don\u2019t be afraid to get all the sleep you need when you\u2019re not feeling your best!\u00a0<\/li>
  3. Sleep gives you needed energy<\/strong> to tackle daily tasks that keep you healthy, like working out and cooking balanced meals. Physical activity, in particular, is a powerful way to boost your immune system, as it lowers stress hormones<\/a>, that can otherwise lead to an impaired immune system<\/a> and make you more susceptible to getting sick.\u00a0<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Getting Quality Sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    So, you\u2019re convinced that better sleep can improve your immune system. But how do you achieve it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n