How does sleep affect the immune system’s response to infections?

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Sleep is essential for a robust immune system, as it provides the necessary time for the body to prioritize defense and repair mechanisms. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are specialized proteins that coordinate the body's response to infection and inflammation.1

Furthermore, sleep facilitates the production and activation of critical immune components, including antibodies, natural killer cells, and T cells. The sleep-wake cycle also plays a vital role in the generation of memory T and B cells, which enable the immune system to mount faster and more effective responses to pathogens it has encountered previously.1

When an individual does not get sufficient sleep, these restorative processes are disrupted. This leads to increased inflammation and reduced activity of key immune cells, leaving the body more vulnerable to illness.1