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Role of sleep deprivation in immune-related disease risk and outcomes

Written by: Mecene Research Team

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Published

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Time to read 8 min

Note From Dr. Pendleton


This article is my attempt at a simplified summary of a scientific paper I found interesting. I’m passionate about sharing scientific knowledge in a way that’s accessible to everyone. However, it's important to remember that many scientific studies, including this one, may not directly apply to you, let alone all people. For example, some studies are conducted on animals or involve small sample sizes, which limits the generalizability of the results. My goal is to present the information responsibly and in layman’s terms, so please keep in mind that the findings should be interpreted with care.


Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The information in this article is based on a scientific review and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment decisions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.

Overview

The scientific paper titled Role of Sleep Deprivation in Immune-Related Disease Risk and Outcomes by Garbarino et al. explores how insufficient sleep affects the body’s immune system and increases the risk of various chronic diseases. The authors examine recent findings from both experimental and epidemiological studies, highlighting how lack of sleep disrupts immune function and triggers a chronic inflammatory state. This review emphasizes the link between sleep deprivation and a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and autoimmune disorders. By identifying gaps in current knowledge, Garbarino et al. call for further research to better understand the causal relationship between sleep loss and immune system dysfunction to prevent adverse health outcomes.

Sleep Deprivation Weakens the Immune System and Increases the Risk of Disease

Many people do not get enough sleep, leading to serious health problems that are common in modern societies. Research shows that insufficient sleep can hurt the immune system, which is the body's defense against infections and diseases. Normally, sleep is critical in maintaining a balanced immune response by reducing inflammation and supporting the body's ability to fight off infections.


However, this balance is disturbed when we do not sleep enough, whether for a night or over a long period. This causes the body to remain in a state of " chronic inflammation ," where the immune system is constantly on alert, and this can increase the risk of developing many diseases. According to the research, sleep deprivation is "associated with alterations of innate and adaptive immune parameters, leading to a chronic inflammatory state" and an increased risk for several diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Methodology

The research looks at a wide range of studies that explore how lack of sleep affects the immune system and overall health. It reviews both experimental studies, where sleep deprivation is controlled in a laboratory setting, and epidemiological studies, which examine patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.


The goal is to understand how sleep loss changes immune responses and how these changes may increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. The research also identifies gaps in knowledge, noting that "further understanding of the causal relationship between sleep deprivation and immune deregulation would help to identify individuals at risk for disease and to prevent adverse health outcomes."

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Main Findings

Impact on the Immune System

The immune system has two main parts: the innate immune system, which provides a general defense against pathogens, and the adaptive immune system, which targets specific threats. Sleep deprivation affects both of these systems. It increases the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which are chemicals released in response to infection or injury. When these cytokines remain elevated, they can cause inflammation throughout the body.


According to the research, "sleep deprivation may result in deregulated immune responses with increased pro-inflammatory signaling." Sleep loss also reduces the activity of natural killer (NK) cells , which are important for fighting viruses and cancer cells. Moreover, it decreases the production of antibodies, which are proteins that help the body identify and neutralize harmful invaders. As a result, people who don't get enough sleep are more likely to get sick.

Higher Risk of Infections

When people do not get enough sleep, their bodies become less effective at fighting off infections. Research shows that sleep-deprived animals have higher mortality rates after infections, and humans with poor sleep are more prone to catching diseases. For example, studies found that people who sleep less than 6 hours per night are "more vulnerable to respiratory infections" and other illnesses.


This is because sleep deprivation weakens the immune response, reducing T-cells, which are essential for attacking infected cells. In one study, sleep-deprived mice failed to control malaria infection. They had a lower survival rate due to an impaired T-cell response, which reduced the production of crucial immune signaling molecules like interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and TNF-α.

Woman with respiratory issues.

Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases

Heart Disease and Stroke

Sleep deprivation is strongly linked to heart problems, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. The research states that "epidemiological and experimental data support the association of sleep deprivation with the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and coronary artery disease." Sleep loss causes the body to release more stress hormones, like cortisol, which increases blood pressure and heart rate. Sleep deprivation also leads to "endothelial dysfunction," meaning it damages the inner lining of blood vessels, which can lead to plaque buildup and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Metabolic Disorders

Not getting enough sleep is also correlated to metabolic problems like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sleep deprivation affects hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and satiety. When these hormones are imbalanced, people tend to eat more and gain weight. The research points out that "sleep deprivation may alter glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity," which can raise blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes.

Cancer

Not getting enough sleep is also correlated to metabolic problems like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sleep deprivation affects hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and satiety. When these hormones are imbalanced, people tend to eat more and gain weight. The research points out that "sleep deprivation may alter glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity," which can raise blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's may develop or worsen when people don't get enough sleep. Sleep helps clear waste products from the brain, like beta-amyloid plaques, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease. Lack of sleep can cause "neuroinflammation," or inflammation in the brain, which may damage nerve cells and speed up the progression of these diseases. The research highlights that "chronic neuroinflammation as indexed by heightened levels of pro-inflammatory mediators was observed in the brain of sleep-deprived animals."

Autoimmune Diseases

Sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of autoimmune diseases, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. The research suggests that "sleep deprivation can promote a breakdown of immunologic self-tolerance," meaning the body is more likely to attack itself. This can lead to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. For example, people who have insomnia or other sleep disorders have a 1.47 times higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Potential Interventions

Several strategies have been studied to counter the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on the immune system, including cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), sleep extension, and controlled napping. While CBT-I has been shown to improve sleep and reduce inflammatory markers, other interventions like napping have mixed results.


Short naps can restore alertness, but their impact on immune function is not yet fully understood. The research indicates that "nighttime recovery sleep following sleep deprivation has limited evidence of effectiveness for specific immune parameters."

Implications

The research clearly shows that sleep is essential for maintaining a strong and balanced immune system. Lack of sleep can weaken the body's defenses and increase the risk of many serious health problems, from infections to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. By understanding how sleep affects the immune system, doctors and scientists can develop better ways to identify people at risk and help them improve their health.


The findings suggest that promoting good sleep habits could be a powerful tool for preventing a range of health problems. The research notes that "sleep deprivation impedes the formation of immunological memory," which is essential for long-term health and well-being.

Woman happy after waking up.

The Importance of Sleep for Strengthening Immunity and Preventing Disease

Getting enough sleep is crucial not only for feeling rested but also for protecting your health. Lack of sleep disrupts the immune system, causing increased inflammation and raising the risk of infections, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, brain diseases, and autoimmune disorders. It is important to make sleep a priority to maintain a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of these conditions.


As the research highlights, making sleep a regular part of your health routine—just like a balanced diet and regular exercise—could be key to staying healthy and preventing a wide range of diseases.

Meet the Author

Dr. James Pendleton

Dr. James Pendleton is a primary care physician specializing in a naturopathic approach to family medicine. He has nurtured a family practice in Seattle, directed a VIP medical center in Abu Dhabi, published several books and scientific articles, and designed innovative nutritional supplements for manufacturers worldwide.

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