One day of sleep deprivation can alter immune system and increase inflammation: Study

In this study, the researchers from the Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait, analyzed the sleep patterns of 237 healthy adult participants of varying BMI, and took blood samples to profile the levels of different monocytes as well as markers of inflammation. They found that obese individuals had significantly lower sleep quality and higher chronic low-grade inflammation compared to the lean group. Non-classical monocytes were also increased significantly in obese participants, correlating with reduced sleep quality and elevated pro-inflammatory markers.

Five, healthy lean individuals also took part in a 24-hour sleep deprivation part of the study and had blood samples collected throughout. The researchers found that sleep deprivation altered the profile of monocytes like what was seen in obese participants, supporting the role of sleep health in modulating inflammation.

Dr Fatema Al-Rashed, who led the study, said: “Our findings underscore a growing public health challenge. Advancements in technology, prolonged screen time, and shifting societal norms are increasingly disruptive to regular sleeping hours. This disruption in sleep has profound implications for immune health and overall well-being.”

The researchers next want to explore in greater detail the mechanisms linking sleep deprivation to immune changes. They also want to find out if interventions such as structured sleep therapies or technology-use guidelines can reverse these immune alterations.

“In the long term, we aim for this research to drive policies and strategies that recognize the critical role of sleep in public health. We envision workplace reforms and educational campaigns promoting better sleep practices, particularly for populations at risk of sleep disruption due to technological and occupational demands. Ultimately, this could help mitigate the burden of inflammatory diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr Al-Rashed.

Reference:

Fatema Al-Rashed, Halemah Alsaeed, Nadeem Akhter, Haya Alabduljader, Fahd Al-Mulla, Rasheed Ahmad, Impact of sleep deprivation on monocyte subclasses and function, The Journal of Immunology, 2025;, vkae016, https://doi.org/10.1093/jimmun/vkae016