The IAA One Minute Blog

A new study has found that not getting enough sleep on a regular basis may harm immune stem cells, potentially increasing the risk of inflammatory disorders and heart disease.

Sleep and Your Immune System

Researchers found that sleep influences the environment where white blood cells (known as monocytes) form, develop and get ready to support the immune function, a process called hematopoiesis.

The researchers studied the impact of sleep in a clinical trial of 14 adults. Each participant was assigned to get either 7.5 hours of sleep each night for six weeks or to get about six hours of sleep each night. Then they had six weeks of a “washout” period where they got their normal amount of sleep before being assigned to the opposite schedule for another six weeks.

The researchers collected morning and afternoon blood samples in the fifth and sixth weeks of both parts of the study.

Scientists found when the adults did not get enough sleep, they had higher levels of circulating monocytes in the afternoon, higher numbers of immune stem cells in the blood, and evidence of immune activation. The stem cells were genetically altered under the influence of sleep restriction. While the change was not permanent, they continued to self-replicate at a higher rate for many weeks.

The higher production of immune cells can speed the development of an age-related condition known as clonal hematopoiesis, which in turn is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

While a certain amount of inflammation is needed to fight infections and to heal wounds, too much can be harmful, overabundant, persistent inflammation has been linked to heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases.

The study was published in the “Journal of Experimental Medicine” and was funded by the U.S. Institutes of Health.

Get Into Good Sleep Habits

Good sleep habits can help you get a good night’s sleep. Some habits that can improve your sleep health are:

• Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime
• Be consistent by going to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning
• Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet, and at a comfortable temperature
• Remove electronic devices from the bedroom

Good quality sleep is essential. Signs of poor sleep quality include not feeling rested even after getting enough sleep, repeatedly waking up during the night, and experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders (such as snoring).

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America hopes you get the ZZs you need to be in good health. IAA is here to remind you that sleep is an essential part of everyday health.