Poor Sleep = Weak Immune System
For years, animal research has shown that sleep deprivation causes immune suppression — which is one reason why poor sleep is suspected to be a key factor in the immune dysfunction and viral reactivation seen in CFS/FMS. A new study adds more evidence to the sleep/immune connection.
A study of medical residents (who can have shifts lasting days, during which they get very little sleep) showed that even just one night of poor sleep increased the likelihood of reactivation of the herpes virus.
This study is one more reason why it's important for CFS/FMS patients to use whatever therapies they need to get a solid 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Not only will sleeping better improve your energy and decrease pain, it will also improve your immune function so that your body can clear out infections.
For information on addressing insomnia, see "Sleep and Insomnia."
Reference
"Fatigue in medical residents leads to reactivation of herpes virus latency." Uchakin PN, Parish DC, Dane FC, et al, Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis. 2011;2011:571340. Epub 2011 Dec 20.
Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. is one of the most frequently quoted post viral CFS, fibromyalgia, energy, sleep and pain medical authorities in the world. He is the author of 12 books including You Can Heal from Long Covid, the best-selling From Fatigued to Fantastic!, Pain Free 1-2-3, The Complete Guide to Beating Sugar Addiction, Real Cause Real Cure, The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution, and the popular free Smart Phone app Cures A-Z. He is the lead author of eight research studies and three medical textbook chapters on effective treatment for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Dr. Teitelbaum appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide, including past appearances on Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and FoxNewsHealth.
Websites: Vitality101.com | EndFatigue.com
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