Get your sleep

 

One of the top health tips that is found practically everywhere is to get enough sleep.

I don't, I admit. I do try, but I seem to fall short of my ideal by about an hour several times a week. I should do better.

This article provides a couple more reasons why it's a good idea.

Sleep Deprivation Alters the Immune System and Inflammation

A single night of sleep deprivation shifts immune cell profiles, mimicking obesity and increasing inflammation risk.

"The study, published in The Journal of Immunology, found that even a single night of 24-hour sleep deprivation in young, lean, and healthy individuals altered the profile of immune cells that help regulate the immune system to resemble that of individuals with obesity - a condition known to drive chronic inflammation. This suggests that the immune system is highly sensitive to sleep and may adapt rapidly to changes in sleep pattern. According to the researchers, if these shifts persist, they could contribute to long-term inflammatory states and increase the risk of disease."

"Dr Fatema Al-Rashed, who led the study, said: “Our findings underscore a growing public health challenge. Advancements in technology, prolonged screen time, and shifting societal norms are increasingly disruptive to regular sleeping hours. This disruption in sleep has profound implications for immune health and overall well-being.”

So those Z's are good. Get more of 'em.