The Effects Of Sleep Deprivation: Immune System Collapse, Weight Gain, And More

Scientists from England and the Netherlands observe that sleep deprivation has the same effect on an individual’s immune system as extreme physical stress, and can cause a number of debilitating health problems over time.

Prior studies demonstrated a link between sleep deprivation and the development of certain health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Other studies showed the immune system responding significantly better when an individual experienced adequate sleep.

Researchers from Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam and the Faculty of Health and Medical Services at the University of Surrey, England studied the effects of sleep deprivation by comparing the white cell counts of 15 young males during their normal sleep/wake cycle with their white cell counts after the male subjects were made to stay awake for 29 consecutive hours. The white blood cells (granulocytes) had an immediate reaction “to the physical stress of sleep loss and directly mirrored the body’s stress response” said lead author of the study Kathrin Ackerman, PhD. Sleep deprivation’s effect on the immune system is disastrous.

That’s why it’s important to get at least 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night to maintain a healthy immune system; otherwise, your body may become too stressed to effectively respond to threats of disease.

Other Sleep Deprivation Symptoms

Immune system collapse isn’t the only effect of sleep deprivation. The symptoms of lack of sleep affect people physically and mentally, and include:

• Irritability
• High Blood Pressure
• Cognitive Impairment
• Decreased Response Time & Accuracy
• Symptoms Similar to ADHD
• Impaired Judgment
• Aches
• Risk of Heart Disease
• Risk of Obesity
• Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Link Between Lack of Sleep and Weight Gain

Recent studies conducted at Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley also show a relationship between lack of sleep and weight gain. The studies showed sleep deprivation affected the part of the brain responsible for making food choices, and that sleep-deprived individuals were consequently more prone to consuming junk food.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims approximately one-third of American workers are sleep-deprived, or sleeping less than six hours per day. The recommended number of hours to sleep per day is 7-9. Sleeping any less than this on a consistent basis can be hazardous to your health and lead to any number of physical symptoms.

A sleep study can help you identify the reasons you may not be sleeping at night. Find out what you can expect from a sleep study in our Snoring 101 section, plus find more articles about the effects of sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea.

We are currently building SnoreWorld’s directory of sleep centers, doctors and dentists who practice in the field of sleep disorders, so please visit back soon if a listing is not yet available.