The Many Benefits of A Good Night’s Sleep

Graphic listing the benefits of sleep such as physical restoration

The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting daily routines around the world. Now, more than ever, it is critical to get enough sleep to battle the challenges of working in new environments, being teachers, great role models, taking care of elderly parents and extended family, and feeling like we are in a movie script which must end soon. Read on to hear about the many benefits of a good night’s sleep.

Sleep can’t prevent you from getting sick, however, getting quality sleep has positive impacts on your entire body. Sleep deprivation has been shown to be associated with poor cognitive performance, depression, feelings of burnout, decreased insulin sensitivity, weight gain, and increased vulnerability to infection. Also, research shows that chronic sleep loss makes the flu vaccine less effective by reducing your body’s ability to respond.

Cytokines are small proteins that act as receptors for the immune system. They are both produced and released during sleep. With increased quality sleep, more cytokines are available to target infection and inflammation, effectively creating an immune response.

With all efforts being taken to increase your immune system now more than ever, it is important to get a good night’s sleep. When planning out your day with all the things you have to get done, plan on a schedule that will accommodate 7-9 hours of sleep, whether it means you need to go to sleep earlier or sleep in later.

Want to hear more on how to get a better night of sleep? Read about how oral appliance therapy can help here.

Dr. Marianna Kovitch is a dilpomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Kovitch completed her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia after earning her Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Chemistry and recognition in research publication in biochemistry from Georgia State University. Dr. Kovitch has been an active board member of the Academy of General Dentistry since 2013 and has been a contributor to the development of dentistry excellence in Georgia.