Thread by @DearPandemic

1/ Q: How can I boost my immune system?

A: Today we focus on the importance of sleep health as an evidence-based strategy for improving your immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2/ * Long-term sleep deficiency is associated with a range of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia) that put you at higher susceptibility & more severe outcomes of COVID-19.

3/ You can reduce your risk factors for these comorbidities by practicing good health behaviors, such as prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables) Even little changes in lifestyle can add up over time.

4/ * Sleep affects how your body responds to a viral exposure. In a fascinating study, participants were exposed to the rhinovirus & quarantined in a hotel for 5 days. Those with insufficient sleep (< 6 hours per night) were more than 4X more likely to develop cold symptoms.

5/ This is interesting because both short & sufficient sleepers showed evidence of viral replication in the body. While this study hasn't been done with exposure to the coronavirus, it may indicate that sufficient sleepers are more likely to have asymptomatic/mild cases of #COVID

6/ * Vaccines work better among those with sufficient sleep. Even 1 night of sleep deprivation can reduce the body's antibody response. If you haven't already gotten your #FluShot, now's a good time to make it happen. To maximize the benefit, be sure that you are getting enough😴

7/ * Finally, acute sleep deprivation impairs decision making. By now, we all know the guidelines on wearing masks & social distancing, but these guidelines may be harder to implement if you're suffering from a sleepless night. So, rest up!
on.natgeo.com/36QZ6A5