Sleep and the immune system

Worried about flu season, new viruses and how to stay healthy? You are not alone.

One way to stay ahead of everything is to prioritize your sleep. But why? It all comes down to fully engaging your immune system

The superpower known as your immune system works to keep germs at bay and fights hard to help you sleep. But if you don't get enough sleep every night, your immune system is weakened, making it harder to fight off disease. And conversely, if your body is sick, your sleep can be disrupted because your immune system is busy fighting off germs. When was the last time you slept well during a cold?

These three simple ways to boost your immunity will ensure that your body gets the rest it needs so you can stay healthy longer and give yourself the best chance to fight off diseases this season.

Healthy amounts of sleep

First, make sure you get enough sleep each night. Research has shown that when you are not rested, the immune system has a harder time functioning. Throughout the night, the immune system talks to the brain about what is going on with your health through a system of neurotransmitters and hormones (often called the interactive brain cytokine system). When you are sick, the pathways are interrupted and can disrupt circadian rhythms. As a healthy adult, you should get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to feel rested and better fight the disease.

De-stress

Second, find a ways to remove stressors from your daily life. Stress can affect your immune system and, in turn, your ability to sleep at night. If you feel the pressure of anxiety in your life, it can trigger an immune response. This prevents you from getting the good night's sleep needed to feel rested. Find a hobby, read or take a nice bubble bath before getting into bed.

Change your diet

Be sure to include some immune-boosting foods in your diet. Foods that help the immune system function properly include spinach, yogurt, garlic, broccoli, almonds and ginger. These foods work because they contain vitamins and minerals needed to help your body build its immunity. Giving your body the right help allows the immune system to get the nutrients it needs to improve your protection against disease.

Who knew that the immune system interacts directly with the brain while sleeping? By understanding this complex system and giving your body the sleep, rest and fuel it needs, you will improve your immunity and get better rest in no time.