The Importance of Sleep for Immune System Health
The Importance of Sleep for Immune System Health Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health, but did you know it's particularly important for a strong immune system? Sleep plays a vital role in how our bodies defend against illness. Without enough quality sleep, we are more likely to get sick after being exposed to viruses like the common cold or flu. Here’s a closer look at why sleep is so crucial for immune health and how you can improve your sleep habits. How Sleep Supports the Immune System Boosts Immune Function : During sleep, your body produces and releases proteins called cytokines. Some of these cytokines help promote sleep, while others play a key role in fighting infection and inflammation. When you're sleep-deprived, your body produces fewer of these protective cytokines, making it harder to fend off illness. Enhances T-cell Activity : T-cells are a type of white blood cell that are critical in the immune response. They attack and destroy infected cells