New research has shown that not only can a good night’s sleep keep you mentally sharp, but it can also help you stay healthy by strengthening your immune system. For years physicians have believed that sleep supports the healing process, and now new evidence has been discovered that indicates sleep also plays a role in regulating your immune function. Your immune system is the complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that protect your body from disease. Keeping that system functioning at its highest level is very important to your overall health and wellness.

While you are asleep, your central nervous system is in constant communication with your immune system. Many immune system functions operate on a 24 hour cycle, just like your sleep schedule. In fact, your T-cells, which are some of the most important immune cells, are very, very active while you sleep. Everyone may not require the same amount of sleep, but the research is clear: getting a good night’s sleep will help bolster your immune system.

• Your body uses sleep as it’s time to rest and recover.
• Sleep patterns are tightly linked to your immune function
• Chronic sleep issues promote inflammation and pain.

Sleeping well is a proven part of staying healthy. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep and can leave you feeling tired and sleepy all day. If you have experienced difficulty sleeping, let me know. I have a workshop coming up later this month where I will be discussing the causes of many sleep issues, and the action steps you can take to FINALLY get a great night of sleep!

Sleep and immune function. European Journal of Physiology. 2012