By BETTYJOE COOPER

With the unusual cold snap we experienced at this time of year, comes a seasonal cold or flu for some of us. But new research explains that sleep can be the best preventative medicine.

Most of us know that lack of sleep increases our risk of getting sick. But new research from the University of Washington School of Medicine helps to explain why.

Poor sleep blocks genetic processes in the cells of your immune system, which is responsible for fending off infections and disease, according to the study.

“Your immune system is not functioning the way it was meant to when you’re sleep deprived,” said Nathaniel Watson, a neurologist and sleep specialist at the University.

As far as they are aware, Watson and his colleagues believe that this is the first study that considers what happens to the DNA of the immune system with inadequate sleep.

“It’s further evidence of how important sleep is to human health and physiology,” Watson said.

Cellular damage can occur after one hour of lost sleep

The study researched 11 pairs of identical twins. In each pair, one twin reported sleeping at least seven hours per night, with the other twin sleeping approximately one hour less.

Watson explained that using identical twins helped to control for the fact that sleep needs varies amongst individuals. Genetics determine about 50 per cent of sleep needs. So, using identical twins creates the best-case scenario for comparison.

The participants wore a movement-tracking device for two weeks. This confirmed that one twin per pair slept, on average, an hour less than their sibling. Sleep time factored in daytime naps.

Blood samples were taken at the end of the study. They revealed that the twin who slept less also had a less active immune system, when compared to the twin who slept more. Those who slept less were making fewer proteins, essential molecules our bodies depend on.

“They had an underperforming immune system,” Watson said of the shorter sleepers, “which would put them at higher risk of getting sick.”

To control for other factors that could impact sleep need or immune health, people with diabetes, depression or other mental health problems and sleep disorders were excluded from the study. Shift workers, smokers, drug users and drinkers were also excluded.

The big lesson is that getting a good sleep – in quality and quantity – is important for our health. Add the risk of infection to the many reasons why sleep deprivation is bad for you. A list that already includes issues such as reduced performance during the day, depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and irritability.

• Bettyjoe Cooper is a self-published author and the founder of Brand New Mattress Co, a retailer of bedding products located in the Hummingbird Plaza, Coral Harbour Road, Nassau, Call 698 4609 for more information.