Author: Kayla Otoo
Editors: Justin Tai, Hanni Yang, Ethan Tai
Artist: Olivia Yuan
Have you ever laid in bed at night and couldn't sleep, woken up many times throughout the night, or felt tired even after long hours of sleep? Chances are, you may have experienced acute insomnia. For some people, insomnia has a minor effect, but for many, including over 10% of adult Americans, insomnia can cause drastic changes in a person’s overall health and functioning, which can have a major impact on day-to-day activities. A commonly held belief is that a person can get through the day on little sleep, which is true to some extent. However, research has proven that a lack of sleep can negatively affect immune cells and cause irreversible damage.
In our lives, sleep is by far one of the most necessary and important functions, as it allows our body to rest and regenerate. Sleep plays a vital role in many of our bodily processes, such as vaccine response, which can greatly affect our adaptive immune system. Studies show a weaker immune response to vaccinations, such as those for hepatitis and swine flu (H1N1), after insufficient sleep. Furthermore, sleep strengthens our immune system, enhancing its ability to recognize and react to antigens that may pose danger.
During sleep, cytokine proteins are released by the immune system in response to a bacterial cell wall known as a muramyl peptide. These proteins help promote sleep and regulate inflammatory systems to prevent infections. However, with insomnia, the production of these cytokines decreases, reducing the body’s protection. Moreover, insomnia can lead to a reduction in infection-fighting antibodies and cells, which heightens the risk of exposure to infections and toxins.
In the Journal of Experimental Medicine, published research shows the first-ever account that sleep alters the structure of DNA inside immune cells, which can lead to inflammatory diseases. In the study, researchers from Mount Sinai examined the link between sleep and immunological health in both humans and mice. In essence, 14 healthy adults with regular sleep schedules at eight hours were analyzed by drawing and examining their blood to study immune cells. Then, for another six weeks, the adults were restricted to 90 minutes less sleep per night. The results showed that less sleep caused each adult to produce more hematopoietic cells; stem cells responsible for blood production, and their DNA structure was altered. On the contrary, the mice test differed from the human testing as mice were monitored for sixteen weeks, as opposed to six. They experienced many fragmentations and awakenings throughout the night. However, the findings were consistent; mice with fragmented sleep produced more immune cells, which were also altered by rewiring and reprogramming, allowing them to produce additional white blood cells, thereby increasing their risk of inflammation and disease.
Furthermore, researchers at Mount Sinai detected a molecular imprint of insomnia in immune cells even after many weeks of recovery sleep. Cameron McAlpine, co-lead investigator at Mount Sinai, states, “This molecular imprint can cause the cells to respond in inappropriate ways leading to inflammation and disease.” In short, although many steps can be taken to improve sleep, such as proper sleep hygiene or behavioral therapies, sleep restriction, relaxation training, and relaxation techniques like yoga and tai chi, are effective approaches. The long-lasting effect insomnia has on the immune system can increase the risk of many chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Chu, an MD Specialist at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, says, “There is no substitute for getting consistent, good quality sleep, especially if we want to reap the immune system benefits sleep can offer.” Undoubtedly, good quality sleep is essential for ensuring the stability of our immune system. The amount of sleep needed can vary, depending on age, genetics, and lifestyle. Nevertheless, good quality sleep is crucial to prevent immune cells from being permanently damaged.
Citations:
“A Consistent Lack of Sleep Negatively Impacts Immune Stem Cells, Increasing Risk of
Inflammatory Disorders and Heart Disease.” Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai
Health System, 21 Sept. 2022, www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2022/a-consistent-
“Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite: The Correlation between Sleep and Memory.” STEAM News,
www.steamnews.org/articles/science/dont-let-the-bed-bugs-bite-the-correlation-
between-sleep-and-memory. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
“How Sleep Affects Your Immune System.” Yale Medicine, Yale Medicine, 13 Mar. 2023,
“Insomnia: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 19 July 2024,
Marshall, Steven. “Sleep Statistics and Facts.” NCOA Adviser, National Council on Aging, 14
Oct. 2024, www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/sleep-statistics/.
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