Researchers Study the Effect of Sleep and Diet On Immunity

Feb, 2021 - By WMR

Sleep and diet reflects every appearance of a human being. Hence, proper sleep cycle and healthy diet are the utmost need to boost immunity in day-to-day life especially in the current pandemic situation.

Researchers from the University of Washington Health Sciences/UW Medicine took blood samples from 11 pairs of identical twins with different sleep patterns and discovered that the twin with shorter sleep duration had a depressed immune system, compared with his or her sibling. The findings were published on January 25, 2020 in the journal Sleep.

On the whole, immune system does a wonderful task of protecting one’s body towards disease-inflicting microorganisms. However, at times it fails: a germ invades effectively and destroys the body functionality. Is it viable to intrude on this method and improve immune system?

Analysing both traditional methods and scientific research as well as adding few nutritional tips, here are some of the best habits to live a healthy life. Improper duration of sleep and mediocre sleep cycle can affect a wide range of health issues such as obesity, indigestion, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. The study suggests that every human being should complete a sleep cycle of minimum 7-8 hours in a day. Close to bed-time avoid foods or drinks containing caffeine, spicy food, and sugary foods. Although researchers have found few eatables that can be eaten to trigger melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate waking and sleeping cycle which includes almonds, walnuts, chamomile tea, fatty fish, tart cherries, kiwi fruit, warm milk, white rice, honey if taken in adequate amount.

Other ways to strengthen immunity is avoid smoking, reduce sugar intake, eat diet high in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, stay hydrated, maintain healthy a weight, avoid consuming alcohol, and try to manage stress level. Above mentioned dietary and lifestyle changes can surely strengthen immune system.