One of the most important things you can do for your immune system is to sleep. Without the proper amount of rest, your immune system won’t be able to fight off infections or heal. To help keep your body as healthy as possible, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about your immune system and the power of sleep.
Sleep is Critical to Your Immune System
With the COVID-19 pandemic, stress levels are at an all-time high. This can cause a lot of sleepless nights. With more families staying home together, kids and work have been thrown significantly out of whack. If you’re not able to get the rest you need, your body will have a harder time fighting off infection. You also increase your risk of developing inflammation and chronic illness.
Tips for Getting More Sleep
According to the CDC, one in three Americans doesn’t get enough sleep. When you don’t sleep, your body can’t restore itself and function as it should. To help get some more shut-eye, consider turning off your screens 30-minutes before bed. Create a calming bedtime routine that can consist of reading, stretching, or taking a bath or shower. Avoid eating or drinking right before bed and resist the urge to grab your phone if you can’t fall asleep. Listen to soothing white noise, or practice some mindful meditation.
How Much Sleep Do You Need?
Sleep is essential to keeping your body running as it should. Deep sleep is the time your body uses to fight infection. When you lack sleep, you’re not giving your immune system the time it needs to work its magic. Not getting enough sleep can also affect your recovery time. To help your body fight infection, aim to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Remember to unplug and create a restful bedtime routine for a better night’s sleep.
