Research suggests that lack of sleep makes you more susceptible to viral infections. Conversely, getting enough sleep can help boost immunity after getting the Covid-19 vaccine, says Christian Benedict, PhD, an associate professor of neuroscience at Uppsala University in Sweden, who recently published an article in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine on this issue.
"There are several studies by American and European groups that have shown that people who get a good night's sleep shortly before and after vaccination against viral infections, such as seasonal flu, hepatitis A / B, produce more virus-specific antibodies. and virus-specific memory immune cells than those that do not sleep properly. "
In other words, people who sleep better are even more protected. There are no specific studies on Covid vaccines yet, but experts believe that this case should not be an exception.
Many immune functions depend on circadian rhythms and regular sleep. Your body produces cytokine proteins when you sleep and needs more of them when it develops an immune response. Lack of sleep can reduce the production of cytokines, as well as antibodies and cells that fight infection.
When you are vaccinated, your body relies on immune responses to create defenses. A vaccine is a substance that stimulates your body's immune system to fight off, and therefore protects you. The benefit of the vaccine is that it mimics an infection and therefore provides immune protection.
Source: Mayo Clinic, Well & Good
