Sleep and Immune Function

Abstract

the sleeper is unaware of the surroundings but can be easily aroused. Stage 3 is the first stage of deep or slow-wave sleep (SWS), which has both fast and slow brain waves. Stage 4, the second phase of SWS, consists mostly of slow waves. Stages 3 and 4 are considered the deepest stages of sleep, when waking the sleeper is difficult. SWS is considered a time of energy conservation and renewal. 10,11 It is an anabolic state in which physiological repair occurs.6 SWS has been widely studied in association with immune function. The next phase of sleep is rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep, in which dreaming occurs. 10The cycle of NREM sleep followed by REM sleep repeats 5 to 6 times per night for a period of 90 minutes per cycle. The relative amount of time spent in NREM and REM sleep changes during the night. NREM sleep takes up more time at the beginning of the night, and REM sleep occupies more time in the final sleep cycle. 11 The total amount and percentage of time spent in each cycle are species specific, but NREM sleep accounts for most of sleep in all animal species and in humans.2 These cycles are part of the daily sleep-wake cycle.

Th17/Treg balance in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and the relationship with allergic rhinitis

“…Based on the results of the fiber nasopharyngoscopy, adenoid size was classified into four groups of differing degrees of blockage: level I (0-25% nostril blockage), level II (26-50% blockage), level III (51-75% blockage), and level IV (76-100% blockage) [2]. Levels I and II included patients who were mildly hypertrophic, which normally will not cause obstruction of the airway.…”

Examining the Evidence to Guide Practice: Challenging Practice Habits

“…Sleep deprivation may also create a shift in immune activity away from humoral immunity and toward cell-mediated immunity, creating an imbalance in immune function. 60,62 This imbalance can place already compromised critically ill patients at further risk. Last, sleep deprivation stimulates the release of hormonal mediators (eg, cortisol and catecholamines), which can intensify the stress response seen during critical illness.…”

“…58,59 Lack of sleep adversely affects the immune system, resulting in catabolic states and cytokine dysfunction. 44,60 Much of the evidence has been studied in animal models; the relationship between sleep deprivation and immune function in humans is less clear. 44,61 Research examining the impact of sleep deprivation on humans indicates that cytokines, the key messengers of the immune system and cellular immunity, can be disrupted.…”

“…52 The immune system has its own circadian rhythm that is dependent on cytokine-induced feedback loops between the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral clocks. 60 Specific cytokines are associated with sleep: cytokines that enhance sleep (interleukins 1, 2, 8, and 18, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ), cytokines that inhibit sleep (interleukins 4, 10, 13, transforming growth factor-β), and cytokines that have a mixed influence on sleep (interleukin 6, interferon-α). 60 Cytokines rely on T cells for their production.…”

“…60 Specific cytokines are associated with sleep: cytokines that enhance sleep (interleukins 1, 2, 8, and 18, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ), cytokines that inhibit sleep (interleukins 4, 10, 13, transforming growth factor-β), and cytokines that have a mixed influence on sleep (interleukin 6, interferon-α). 60 Cytokines rely on T cells for their production. When the immune system is under stress, T-cell production can be compromised, cytokine production decreases, and normal sleep patterns are affected.…”