Healthy sleep is crucial for a hearty, healthy immune system
Sleep loss links to several negative changes in the immune system. Having poor quality sleep or not enough rest affects how your body responds to illness – it may affect how your body responds to a vaccine.
While good sleep is an essential part of good health under normal circumstances, it is vital while fight a global pandemic. As vaccines roll out in Canada, learn more below about the connection between quality sleep and vaccine response.
Dr. Kannan Ramar, President of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine states, “As COVID-19 vaccines are distributed, it is of utmost importance that patients continue to prioritize their sleep to maintain optimal health. Getting a sufficient and high-quality sleep regularly strengthens your body’s immune system and optimizes your response to a vaccine”.
There is ample evidence of the link between sleep and immune function
Several studies are noting a relationship between sleep duration and immune response to vaccination. In 2020, a sleep study found that vaccination against influenza appeared to be more effective in people who reported having gotten enough sleep for the two nights before receiving the vaccine. However, this does not just apply to the flu vaccine. Other studies have also shown similar effects when assessing a patients’ response to other vaccines, such a Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
Getting both good quality and enough sleep on a nightly basis allows our body to heal and recover from our day. During this time, your body works to repair your cells and regulate hormones that support our metabolism, immune response, and other fundamental functions and systems. Proper sleep also helps us process new data, form memories, and learn information.
If you are feeling like the current pandemic is harming your sleep, then you are not alone
One of our three survey participants found that the pandemic has had detrimental impacts on their sleep quality. Their ability to fall asleep has also been affected, along with the nightly duration of their sleep. Other factors, aside from the pandemic, can affect our quality and quantity of sleep. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea can cause insomnia, frequent wakeups during the night, light sleep, and shorter sleep duration. And while snoring is the main sign of obstructive sleep apnea, many people suffer from this condition who do not snore at all.
Are you concerned about your quality of sleep or that of a friend or family member? At Snore MD, our team of medical experts are here to determine if obstructive sleep apnea could be affecting your quality of life. Reach out to us through our online website chat, or contact your closest Snore MD location to discuss how we can help you or your loved ones get better quality sleep for a healthier life.
