Sleep dramatically enhances the activity and effectiveness of immune cells, and without sleep there is a loss of adaptive immune responses that are necessary to fight off infection.
Recent studies have demonstrated that loss of sleep can cause your immune system to fail and predispose you to the flu. Winter is the time for flu. Timing and duration may vary, while flu outbreaks may happen as early as October with peak activity in February.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, more commonly known as heartburn, can significantly impact sleep. Most individuals who suffer from GERD, both day and night, complain of symptoms being worse at night.
Good quality, healthy sleep is important to everyone, especially for individuals battling cancer. Your sleep quality can determine how well your body fights cancer.
Many of those with Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease have significant issues with their sleep. The same is true for most caregivers. The unpredictable behavior and confused states of those afflicted are known to put a great strain on caregivers, and negatively impact their sleep.