Resting to boost immunity

Just how important is sleep for our immunity? The answer is – very.  

Evidence shows that we are far more likely to get ill if we have had fewer than 6-7 hours sleep.  

Our bodily functions slow down when we sleep, allowing our immune system to get busy. Producing cytokines, responsible for regulating inflammation in the body. In people with healthy sleep, inflammation during the night goes back to a normal level before waking up. In people who don’t get enough sleep, this system fails. Research also suggests that sleep is responsible for strengthening our immune memory so that our bodies know what to attack and what not to. 

Here are some ways to improve your sleep. Keep your room cooler than you think – around 16-19 degrees. Go to bed and wake up at the same times each day. Avoid screens and blue light before bed and create some healthy boundaries around work and homework in the evening to limit stress.