Sleeplessness and anxiety may lower the level of crucial killer immune cells.
Anxiety and insomnia can weaken the body’s defenses, reducing the count of key immune cells. Scientists from Saudi Arabia reached this conclusion after examining the link between mental state and immunity in young women.
The study, published on December 10 in the journal Medical Xpress, focused on so-called NK cells (natural killers). These cells serve as the primary line of defense, destroying pathogens and afflicted cells. Researchers examined 60 female students aged 17 to 23, assessing their anxiety levels and sleep quality.
The findings revealed a clear correlation: young women with symptoms of sleeplessness and worry possessed significantly fewer circulating NK cells.
“Students exhibiting signs of anxiousness showed a lower percentage and number of NK cells compared to students without symptoms,” “Izvestia” quotes the lead researcher, Dr. Renad Alhamawe. The more the NK cell count drops, the weaker the immune system becomes, susceptibility to illness rises, and inflammation develops more actively. Scientists emphasize that grasping this connection is vital for preventing numerous ailments.
To maintain normal NK cell levels, experts recommend adopting a sound lifestyle: physical activity, stress reduction, and proper nutrition. However, this new research suggests that combating anxiety and sleep disturbances may be equally important for robust immunity.
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