Sleep Deprivation Increases The Risk Of Chronic Diseases By Prolonged Inflammation: Study

Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, acting as a key factor in physical and mental well-being.

It allows the body to recover, enhances brain function, and strengthens the immune system. A good night’s rest improves memory, stabilises mood, and boosts energy levels, while prolonged sleep deprivation has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease, depression and obesity.

Despite its significance, many individuals fail to prioritise sleep due to hectic schedules, stress, or excessive screen time. However, understanding its impact on long-term health can encourage the adoption of better sleep habits. Recent research conducted by Kuwait’s Dasman Diabetes Institute, published in The Journal of Immunology, sheds light on how inadequate sleep disrupts immune function, leading to increased inflammation and a greater susceptibility to chronic illnesses.

To examine the effects of sleep deprivation, scientists tracked the sleep habits of 237 healthy adults in Kuwait, representing a range of body weights. Participants wore advanced activity-tracking devices that allowed researchers to monitor their sleep patterns and assess the physiological impact of disrupted rest.

Findings from the study suggest that inadequate sleep disrupts immune regulation, leading to heightened inflammation. One key discovery was an increase in nonclassical monocytes (NCMs), immune cells that play a role in inflammatory responses. This change was observed in participants regardless of their body weight, indicating that even individuals with a healthy BMI could experience immune-related consequences from sleep deprivation. Additionally, the research pointed out that a lack of sleep shifts the immune system toward a prolonged inflammatory state, disturbing the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.

While previous studies have linked sleep deprivation to weight gain and metabolic disorders, this research delves deeper into the immune mechanisms responsible for chronic inflammation caused by poor sleep. Dr. Fatema Al-Rashed, the lead researcher, emphasised the growing impact of modern lifestyle changes, noting that increased screen time, changing societal habits, and technological advancements have made irregular sleep patterns more common. She highlighted the study’s findings as further evidence of how essential sleep is for immune function and overall health.

The study’s conclusions indicate that chronic sleep deficiency could contribute to the development of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, prolonged sleep loss may weaken the body’s ability to fight infections, reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, and negatively affect cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. These findings reinforce the importance of maintaining consistent, high-quality sleep as a crucial factor in long-term health and disease prevention.