Sleep and Autoimmune Disorders
Do you having difficulty sleeping? It’s been demonstrated that a lack of sleep can contribute to causing autoimmune disorders.
However, before we go further. We’re not physicians. We’re mattress makers that are highly interested in helping you get a great night’s sleep!
So, if you think you may have an autoimmune disorder, or have questions about sleep, rely on your doctor, not us! With that, enjoy the article we’ve put together.
Many people assume sleep is a passive and sometimes ‘optional’ behavior. However, sleep is critical in the restoration of the body’s immune system. Furthermore, disrupted sleep may impair many of our defense mechanisms.
There is research that indicates sleep deprivation can increase the likelihood for the occurrence of autoimmune and other similar diseases fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus from people who do not have enough sleep.
Even scarier, the occurrence of autoimmune disorders is increasing by as much as 9% per year,
Are you a small business owner? Sleep deprivation can be harmful for business. A full 43 percent of the American population suffer from the inability to stay alert and even awake at work. Why? Due to lack of sleep. Much of this lack of sleep is caused by undiagnosed sleep disorders.
Getting the appropriate sleep for your age, improves the immune system from attack. Sleep deprivation suppresses the immune system’s basic role in protecting the body and becoming susceptible to bacterial and other infections.
Lack of sleep has a similar effect as physical stress on the immune system. Granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are increased and they form an important part of the immune system.
Sleep Deprivation
A study by researchers at the University of Helsinki revealed that the effects on the immune structure during sleep deprivation are caused by the increased activity in B cells, which produces antigens responsible for contributing to the body’s defensive and allergic reactions and asthma. This can result in susceptibility for bacterial attacks and increased risk of inflammatory diseases.
Lack of sleep keeps the adrenaline hormones active for a longer period, which tends to hinder our immune system. A study on partial sleep deprivation reports a reduction of the natural killer cells (NK cells) from sleep disruption, which results in a decreased immune function.
According to The New York Times, sleep is important in keeping your system balanced. Lack of enough sleep tips the immune system out of balance and can derail homeostasis and allows powerful molecules to bounce off or through the body rails.
American Journal of Physiology conclusively reports that sleep deprivation can cause adverse health impairments. It increases the risk of bacteria Invasion in the body. The inability of the host defenses can lead to death.
What Is The Right Amount of Sleep?
The amount of sleep time an individual need is dependent on several factors like age, productivity, and health, and well being.
Other than the sleep time, sleep quality is also an important aspect of sleep. Poor sleep quality is prompted by repeatedly waking up during sleep, sleep disorders like gasping for air and snoring, and feeling tired even after a long sleep.
These are the recommended sleeping times according to age, every 24 hours, by CDC;
6 – 12 years: 9 – 12 hours.
18 – 60 years: Not less than 7 hours.
61 – 64 years: 7 – 9 hours.
65 years and above: 7 – 8 hours.
The more you grow, the more changes in sleeping structure, that affects how you fall and stay asleep.
Tips For Better Sleep
These are some of the tips from the National Sleep Foundation, to help those who struggle catching good sleep;
- Keep a comfortable sleeping environment. Have a good mattress and pillows, and eliminate all distractions.
- Keep a sleeping routine, which involves relaxing and winding down before getting to bed.
- Exercise regularly, just not close to bedtime for those having sleep struggles.
- Turn off any source of distractions like TV and computer screens. You can also use a sound conditioner and earplugs to block out sound.
- Avoid big meals, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks near bedtime.
Research is already underway to come up with a system of biomarkers to measure and monitor the extent of one’s sleep conditions. This will help in assessing and providing the best medical solutions in case of lack of sleep.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sleep deprivation has a direct correlation with autoimmune disorders. Lack of sleep affects the activities of white blood cells, B cells, and granulocytes in particular, which makes the body more susceptible to inflammatory issues.
Can a Fawcett mattress prevent an autoimmune disorder? Not directly. No. But, if one of our mattresses helps you get a better night’s sleep, then that can prevent a negative immune response due to sleep disruption.
If you’re budget conscious, try our classic Model 6 mattress. Looking for a premium solution? Our Model 2 contains 9 inches of 100% Natural Talalay Latex.