A single night of poor sleep may be enough to weaken the immune system, according to new research, Daily Mail reported.
While long-term sleep deprivation has been associated with obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, recent findings suggest that even one restless night can trigger harmful inflammation in the body.
Scientists at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait discovered that sleep loss disrupts the body’s natural defenses, increasing inflammation levels that can impair the immune system’s ability to fight infection and heal injuries.
During sleep, blood pressure typically decreases, and blood vessels relax—both essential for overall health. However, by studying monocytes—immune cells that help combat germs and viruses—researchers found that this process is disrupted when sleep is lost.
Dr. Fatema Al-Rashed, an expert in immunology and microbiology who led the study, described the findings as “important” and warned that sleep deprivation is becoming a growing public health concern.
“Advancements in technology, prolonged screen time, and shifting societal norms are increasingly disruptive to regular sleep patterns,” she said. “This has serious implications for immune health and overall well-being.”
The study tracked five healthy participants over 24 hours of total sleep deprivation. Blood samples taken before and after the trial revealed significant changes in their monocyte profiles.
Specifically, researchers observed an increase in non-classical monocytes—cells that detect and respond to inflammatory signals. While inflammation is a normal immune response, chronic inflammation can harm healthy tissues and weaken the body’s defenses.
Published in The Journal of Immunology, the research highlights the role of sleep in regulating immune function, particularly for people with obesity. Scientists suggested that improving sleep quality could help lower inflammation and enhance overall health.
A second part of the study examined 237 healthy adults, tracking their monocyte levels and inflammatory markers. Participants recorded their diet, physical activity, and sleep habits over a week while wearing accelerometers to measure movement.
Findings revealed that individuals who were overweight or obese had poorer sleep quality and higher levels of inflammation. Of the 38 inflammatory markers analyzed, 13 showed significant differences in overweight participants compared to those with a healthy weight.
Researchers hope future studies will further investigate how sleep deprivation affects the immune system and explore possible interventions to reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The findings come amid growing concerns over sleep health in the UK. A recent survey by The Sleep Charity revealed that one in six Britons suffers from insomnia, yet 65 percent never seek help.
Although poor sleep has been linked to conditions like cancer, stroke, and infertility, experts emphasize that occasional sleepless nights do not necessarily indicate insomnia. Common factors contributing to disrupted sleep include stress, caffeine, alcohol, shift work, and jet lag.
To improve sleep, specialists recommend maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, staying physically active during the day, and creating a restful environment free from noise and bright screens.
