Sleep and the immune system
Getting enough good sleep is important for our physical and mental health, but it is also crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system.
The role rest plays in the body's well-being
While we sleep, the number of immune system cells in our body increases. During the night, the body produces many immune-supporting immuno-active substances, so that its ability to cope with, for example, seasonal illnesses is increased, as well as the ability to withstand an attack by bacteria and viruses. For this to happen optimally, at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night are recommended. Resting an insufficient number of hours, in the long run, leads to the body being more vulnerable. But what connection is there between failure to rest and body weakness? After a few days of insufficient energy (indeed, yes, sleep can be likened to an energy-recharging exercise for the body), our antibodies are less and less able to react adequately to harmful stimuli, even dropping in numbers.How do I help my immune system?
As we have seen, the first tip for optimal rest is to sleep about seven to eight hours each night. It would be good to eat dinner a couple of hours before bedtime, avoiding heavy foods, caffeine, alcohol, or other stimulating drinks or substances. Smoking is also not recommended before bedtime. Once under the covers, the best choice would be to limit or eliminate the use of electronic devices (such as a smartphone or tablet) so as not to expose yourself too much to the intensity of blue light. Finally, the environment in which you sleep plays no small role, particularly when it comes to brightness, noise, and temperature. Creating an ideal context is the first step towards optimal relaxation and to contributing to the quality of rest: our body will make sure it recharges our defenses and energy in the best possible way.
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