It's been an intense flu season so far. Nationwide, about 27% of tests are coming back positive for the virus, and there's also RSV and COVID-19 to contend with. But getting some good Zs may offer some protection. Sleep does play *** crucial role in supporting and regulating the immune system. Michelle. with Cleveland Clinic says adequate sleep can actually help the body defend against infection and inflammation, and the key to getting good shut eye is focusing on sleep hygiene. So things like making sure you're limiting or avoiding napping during the days and not having caffeine too too late or exercising too late. Other things may be important and helpful. Other ways to promote good sleep, make *** habit of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. Keep your bedroom relaxing, quiet, and at *** cool temperature. Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed. Avoid large meals and alcohol before bedtime. Derup says to also only use the. for sleep and allow time to wind down. The crux of it for *** lot of people is that sleep is *** natural process, um, and we don't want to force it or put *** lot of effort into it. That actually makes it harder to fall asleep. And if you're having persistent sleep problems, Derup says to see *** doctor, there are treatments that can help. For Health Minute, I'm Mandy Gaither.
Experts emphasize sleep's role in boosting immune system during flu season
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Updated: 5:33 PM EST Feb 26, 2025
The CDC is reporting a high number of people seeking health care for respiratory illnesses, particularly the flu, which is causing a substantial number of emergency department visits nationwide."Sleep does play a crucial role in supporting and regulating the immune system," says Michelle Drerup from the Cleveland Clinic's Sleep Disorders Center.Drerup explains that adequate sleep can help the body defend against infection and inflammation.She emphasizes the importance of sleep hygiene in achieving good rest."So things like making sure you're limiting or avoiding napping during the days and not having caffeine too, too late or exercising too late. All those things may be important and helpful," Drerup adds.Other ways to promote good sleep include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, keeping the bedroom relaxing, quiet, and cool, turning off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed, and avoiding large meals and alcohol before bedtime."The crux of it for a lot of people is that sleep is a natural process, um, and we don't want to force it or put a lot of effort into it. That actually makes it harder to fall asleep," Drerup advises.For those experiencing persistent sleep problems, Drerup recommends consulting a doctor, as there are treatments available that can help.The CDC also highlights other health benefits of sleep, including lowering the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress.
The CDC is reporting a high number of people seeking health care for respiratory illnesses, particularly the flu, which is causing a substantial number of emergency department visits nationwide.
"Sleep does play a crucial role in supporting and regulating the immune system," says Michelle Drerup from the Cleveland Clinic's Sleep Disorders Center.
Drerup explains that adequate sleep can help the body defend against infection and inflammation.
She emphasizes the importance of sleep hygiene in achieving good rest.
"So things like making sure you're limiting or avoiding napping during the days and not having caffeine too, too late or exercising too late. All those things may be important and helpful," Drerup adds.
Other ways to promote good sleep include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, keeping the bedroom relaxing, quiet, and cool, turning off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed, and avoiding large meals and alcohol before bedtime.
"The crux of it for a lot of people is that sleep is a natural process, um, and we don't want to force it or put a lot of effort into it. That actually makes it harder to fall asleep," Drerup advises.
For those experiencing persistent sleep problems, Drerup recommends consulting a doctor, as there are treatments available that can help.
The CDC also highlights other health benefits of sleep, including lowering the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress.
