It works both ways.
If we gain an hour that rate goes lower the next day.
“Routinely sleeping less than six or seven hours a night demolishes your immune system, more than doubling your risk of cancer.”
“…our lack of sleep is a slow form of self-euthanasia…”
― Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
Sleep and the immune system.
Have you ever been for a big night out and missed a whole night sleep and got a sick a few days later?
Or got real bad jet lag and caught a terrible cold?
That’s because if we are sleep deprived.
Why?
During sleep, the immune system releases certain cytokines. If the body is deprived of sleep, it may actually decrease production of these protective cytokines and infection-fighting antibodies. Making it easier for us to catch bugs/colds etc.
Isn’t that so interesting? I 100% relate to this. I am definitely one of those people that gets run down very easily and feels ill if I am not sleeping.
Just an another reason to prioritise your sleep 😊
Emma x
