Study Links Sleep Deprivation to Increased Risk of Infections

New research highlights how insufficient sleep may weaken the immune system, raising the likelihood of illnesses like colds and bronchitis.

A study of 1,335 Norwegian nurses found that those with a sleep deficit of over two hours had a significantly higher risk of infections, including colds and bronchitis.
Participants with a sleep deficit of up to two hours were 33% more likely to develop a cold compared to those with adequate sleep.
Researchers suggest that sleep deprivation impacts immune function by altering the release of cytokines and reducing circulating immune cells.
Hormones released during sleep, such as growth hormone, are believed to play a key role in supporting immune health.
While the study underscores a strong correlation between sleep and infection risk, causation remains uncertain and requires further research.