Researchers disclose the effects on your body when you sleep less than 6 hours a night

Who knew? Sleep is crucial for your health.

Getting quality sleep is essential, but not everyone achieves it, and scientists have explained its effects on your body.

Occasional poor sleep isn't a major issue, but consistently inadequate or short sleep can negatively affect the body.

In an interview with the Metro, Dr. Sue Peacock, a consultant health psychologist and sleep expert, pointed out a problem associated with getting 6 hours of sleep or less.

If you often get insufficient sleep and find yourself feeling like a zombie during the day, it might be beneficial to go to bed earlier and try to get more rest.

Immune System

Our immune systems can combat a wide range of threats and do so frequently, but insufficient sleep can hinder this ability.

Peacock noted: “Studies indicate that there is a complex relationship between sleep-wake cycles and our immune systems.”

"During sleep, your immune system generates protective, infection-fighting substances like cytokines. These substances are used to fight off foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses."

"Cytokines also aid in sleep, providing your immune system with more energy to protect your body from illness."

She explained that insufficient sleep leads to reduced cytokine production, which can weaken the body's defenses against infections.

She added: "It increases our susceptibility to disease and may prolong recovery time from illness."

Moreover, research from the French National Institute in 2023 indicated that getting less than six hours of sleep diminishes our immune response to vaccinations.

Immune Response to Vaccinations

They re-evaluated the findings from seven studies that compared the antibody responses of individuals who slept seven to nine hours per night with those who slept less than six hours.

They concluded that men who slept less than six hours experienced a decrease in the immune response to vaccinations. For women, the effect was more variable, with fluctuating hormones playing a role.

Anxiety

Dr Peacock mentioned that there can be a harmful cycle involving sleep and anxiety.

She explained that insufficient sleep can lead to anxiety, and anxiety can also result in insufficient sleep.

She elaborated: “Unfortunately, each can worsen the other. Anxiety can negatively impact your body's ability to fall asleep, as your brain remains in a 'fight or flight' state, considering all possible outcomes related to the source of anxiety.

“Moreover, anticipatory anxiety and specific anxiety about sleep can cause sleep disturbances and insomnia, creating a feedback loop that can aggravate both conditions.

Issues with menstrual irregularities can also occur

“It can diminish our ability to stay positive when encountering emotionally challenging situations,” says Dr. Sue. “You may also find it harder to enjoy positive experiences.”

Menstrual Irregularities

Dr. Katharina Lederle, a specialist in sleep and circadian rhythms, notes that insufficient sleep can lead to menstrual irregularities.

She explained: “During sleep deprivation, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) rises, and in healthy young women in their follicular phase, this is linked to a significant increase in TSH levels.

“Elevated TSH levels can cause menstrual irregularities, anovulation (when no egg is released), amenorrhea (absence of periods), and recurrent miscarriages.”

In addition to these problems, lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and decreased productivity, so it might be beneficial to get to bed a bit earlier this week.