A single night of poor sleep may be enough to compromise your immune system, researchers have found, Daily Mail reported.
While long-term sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, new research suggests that even a single restless night can trigger harmful inflammation in the body.
Scientists at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait discovered that missing sleep disrupts the body’s natural defences, increasing levels of inflammation that can impair the immune system’s response to injury and infection.
During sleep, the body typically experiences a drop in blood pressure and a relaxation of blood vessels, both essential for overall health. However, by studying monocytes — immune cells responsible for fighting off germs and viruses — researchers found that this process was disrupted when sleep was lost.
Dr Fatema Al-Rashed, an immunology and microbiology expert who led the study, called the findings “important” and warned that sleep deprivation is an escalating public health issue.
“Advancements in technology, prolonged screen time, and shifting societal norms are increasingly disruptive to regular sleeping hours,” she said. “This has profound implications for immune health and overall well-being.”
The small-scale study tracked five healthy participants over 24 hours, during which they were completely deprived of sleep. Blood samples taken before and after the trial showed significant changes in their monocyte profiles.
In particular, there was an increase in non-classical monocytes — cells that detect and respond to inflammatory signals. While inflammation is a normal immune response, chronic inflammation can damage healthy tissues and weaken immune defences.
Writing in The Journal of Immunology, the researchers stressed the importance of sleep quality in regulating immune function, particularly in people with obesity. They suggested that improving sleep habits could reduce inflammation and enhance overall health.
A second part of the study examined 237 healthy adults, measuring their monocyte levels and inflammatory markers. Participants recorded their diet, physical activity, and sleep habits over a week while wearing accelerometers to track movement.
Results revealed that those who were overweight or obese had poorer sleep quality and higher inflammation levels. Of the 38 inflammatory markers tested, 13 were significantly altered in overweight participants compared to those with a healthy weight.
The researchers hope future studies will explore why sleep deprivation affects the immune system and how interventions could reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The findings come amid concerns over the UK’s sleep health. A recent survey by The Sleep Charity found that one in six Britons suffer from insomnia, yet 65 per cent never seek help.
While poor sleep has been linked to conditions such as cancer, stroke, and infertility, experts advise that occasional nighttime wakefulness does not necessarily indicate insomnia. Contributing factors can include stress, caffeine, alcohol, shift work, and jet lag.
For those struggling with sleep, experts recommend maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, staying physically active during the day, and creating a restful environment free from noise and bright screens.
