As Insomnia Increases, Its Harmful Effects on the Immune System Also Increase

In addition to the fact that insomnia directly negatively affects the immune system, its negative effect increases exponentially due to other health problems it can cause. The neurologist made recommendations to get enough quality sleep, especially in this period when we need a strong immune system.
Sleep is an active process that regulates and balances our physiological functions, as well as strengthening memory. Therefore, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Neurology Specialist stated that serious problems may arise in the long term if he/she cannot sleep adequately and on time, and said the following about the possible problems: "People who experience long-term insomnia become more irritable and aggressive, and their intellectual capacity decreases. However, fatigue increases, hormonal order begins to deteriorate, frequent and large fluctuations in blood sugar and blood pressure, menstrual disorder, thyroid hormone disorders, growth, and development disorders in children, and abnormalities in the immune system (rapid illness, delay in recovery) may occur." In addition to the direct negative effect of insomnia on the immune system, deterioration is increasing exponentially as these different problems that may occur will affect the immune system.

You Need To Learn to Cope With Stress

Defining insomnia due to intense anxiety or stress as "insomnia due to adjustment disorder", Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burcu Örmeci, in this case, the person has a problem falling asleep or staying asleep for a few nights. When the stressful situation ends or the person begins to adapt, sleep returns to normal. Making more effort to sleep during this period will make the situation worse. Sleep disorders experienced during stressful periods cause anxiety that the performance of the person during the day will not be good. It also makes more effort to sleep at night. However, this can increase anxiety and make things worse. Even poor sleep for just a few nights in a row can trigger psychophysiological insomnia. Some people experience insomnia more easily than others during stressful times. Learning to cope with stress helps treat your insomnia.

Babies and Elderly People Need Daytime Sleep

Our expert says that it is more difficult to adapt to all kinds of biological rhythm changes in the elderly and infants since these age groups are physiologically already unregulated and both groups need daytime sleep. Young people adapt more easily because they are more resistant to insomnia to a certain extent.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

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