CINCINNATI (WKRC) – As the winter season approached, experts emphasized the importance of sleep in bolstering the immune system.
Specialists at The Christ Hospital Sleep Medicine Center highlighted that sleep aids the body in producing antibodies to combat infections, including bacteria and viruses.
“Consistent bedtime, no gadgets close to the bedtime, no TV—that’s the hardest part. Keep the gadgets away, avoid caffeine, nicotine, stimulants. If you can avoid those things, that can affect your sleep,” said Dr. Karthikeyan Kanagarajan, a sleep medicine specialist at the center.
While there is no definitive answer on the exact number of hours needed to maintain a strong immune system, Dr. Kanagarajan suggested aiming for seven hours of sleep each night.
“If you feel like you are deprived, then use a little bit of moderate sleep on the weekend. Sleeping in is okay,” he said.
Sleep not only helps fight off illnesses but also impacts recovery time and balances hormones that regulate the body’s immune response, reducing the likelihood of getting sick.
For those struggling with sleep, consulting a doctor for a referral to a sleep specialist is recommended.
