Importance of good sleep in our patients

Abstract

Sleep is a biological necessity.

Regulates immune functions. Immune functions depend on circadian rhythms and regular sleep. According to studies prior to the pandemic, short duration of sleep or sleep deprivation, in the week leading up to vaccination, is associated with lower antibody responses to vaccination.

Sleep deprivation results in poorer immune function (i.e., reduced natural killer cell activity, suppressed IL-2 production) as well as increased circulating levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, factor of tumor necrosis, C-reactive protein).

Clinicians should be aware that many illnesses, which we mention in this brief update, are comorbid with sleep disturbances and it is therefore important to teach patients to improve their sleep behavior and should encourage sleep hygiene education .

We emphasize that in the questioning of any medical specialty, questions about “sleep” should be incorporated, given that good quality sleep is essential in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.