The condition is associated with obesity and related health issues like diabetes and heart disease.

The study investigated the impact of even short-term sleep deprivation on healthy adults, aiming to understand the link between sleep, immune health, and conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The research showed that obese individuals had lower sleep quality and higher levels of chronic low-grade inflammation compared to lean individuals.

Overweight and obese participants also showed increased numbers of non-classical monocytes, immune cells involved in inflammation, and higher levels of cytokines that induce rather than fight inflammation. Interestingly, the study showed that the inflammation caused by sleep deprivation is reversible with adequate sleep, suggesting that catching up on lost sleep can reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and related health conditions. Apart from contributing to obesity, lack of sleep weakens the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to illness and hindering recovery. During sleep, the body produces essential proteins called cytokines that fight infection and inflammation. Sleep deprivation reduces cytokine production and lowers levels of antibodies and infection-fighting cells. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health, while children require varying amounts depending on their age. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment are key to achieving quality sleep.