Why Poor Sleep Affects Your Immune System
Every day, your immune system works silently behind the scenes to protect you from viruses, bacteria, fungi, and countless other threats. Most of the time, you never notice this incredible defense system because it performs its job so efficiently. But what if one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your immune system wasn't found in a supplement bottle or a special diet? What if it began with something you already do every night? Sleep. Modern research has completely changed how scientists view sleep. It is no longer considered simply a period of rest. During sleep, your body performs thousands of biological processes that help repair tissues, regulate hormones, strengthen memory, and coordinate immune defenses. In fact, many researchers now describe sleep as one of the most important pillars of immune health, alongside nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and vaccination. When sleep becomes short or poor in quality, the immune system may struggle to...