Sleeping to fuel the immune system: mammalian sleep and resistance to parasites
2009
The Role of Sleep in Immune Defense Against Parasites
Sample size: 26
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Opp Mark R
Primary Institution: University of Michigan Medical School
Hypothesis
Sleep may be a component of the acute phase response to infection and functions in host defense.
Conclusion
Species that sleep more have higher numbers of white blood cells and lower parasitic loads.
Supporting Evidence
- Sleep loss impairs immune function and immune challenge alters sleep.
- An increase in sleep time is associated with a decrease in parasitic load.
- Species with more total sleep have higher numbers of white blood cells.
Takeaway
Sleeping helps animals fight off germs better, and animals that sleep more have more white blood cells to help them stay healthy.
Methodology
The study examined correlations between sleep times and white blood cell counts across 26 mammalian species.
Participant Demographics
26 mammalian species were analyzed.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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