Getting a full night’s sleep would boost the efficiency of T lymphocytes, which are necessary for the immune system.
Sleep may be more restorative than you think. German researchers find that it helps boost the immune system. According to their results, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, they show that a restful night improves the functioning of T lymphocytes, cells involved in the immune process.
T lymphocytes are able to recognize pathogens in the body to activate proteins called integrins, which allow them to attach to their target and attack them.
Higher levels of integrins through sleep
The research was carried out using ten participants separated into two groups: one slept, the other did not. During the night, six blood samples were taken to analyze their plasma. In the group of sleepers, the researchers found a higher level of integrins, compared to other volunteers.
To understand this phenomenon, they looked at a group of molecules, called agonist receptors, capable of blocking the action of the immune system by preventing the action of integrins. Their method of action is linked to hormones, including adrenaline and prostaglandin, a pro-inflammatory molecule.
During sleep, adrenaline and prostaglandin levels drop. For researchers, this would explain why T cells have higher levels of integrins after a night’s sleep: deprived of the proteins and hormones they need, agonist receptors can no longer block immune cells. According to their findings, this could also explain why certain conditions are associated with sleep disorders, such as depression or chronic stress.
Sleep and its thousand virtues
The benefits of sleep are multiple: it helps concentration, promotes memory and has an influence on our mood. According to a study published in 2017, not getting enough sleep causes brain disorders comparable to the effects of alcohol: a lack of vigilance and impaired vision. To avoid this, it is important to get enough sleep and avoid regularly accumulating too short nights. On average, an adult requires 8 hours of sleep per night, but a heavy sleeper will need 9 hours of sleep while others will be content with 6 hours. Only the feelings of each one can determine the ideal quantity, if you feel rested and in good shape when you wake up, it is because you slept well!
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