However, one thing that most of us still have control over is the ability to create good sleep behaviors. I can’t emphasize enough that good-quality sleep is especially important right now to support a healthy and balanced immune response. Conversely, lack of sleep can have a negative effect on our immune system. For example, sleep deprivation is associated with a rise in susceptibility to the common cold3. One study that worked with 153 male and female participants found that those with shorter sleep duration in the weeks leading up to exposure to a rhinovirus were less likely to be resistant to the illness. Matthew Walker, Ph.D., sleep scientist and author of Why We Sleep—Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, notes in his book that “after just one night of only four to five hours of sleep, your natural killer cells—a main player in viral killing—drop by 70%.” Nonetheless, there is plenty we can do to safeguard our sleep and optimize the effectiveness of the immune system: I particularly love sleep support+ by mindbodygreen that combines magnesium glycinate, which may promote relaxation; pharmaGABA to support sleep quality; and jujube, a fruit used in traditional Chinese medicine, which is often used to support healthy cortisol levels.* I also love herbal teas and tinctures, such as valerian, passionflower, hops, and lemon balm before bed. However you choose to support your rest routine, just remember that it’s especially important to prioritize sleep right now and set your immune system up for success. She started the Moday Center for Functional and Integrative Medicine in Philadelphia, where she practices both traditional medicine and integrative medicine. You can learn more about Dr. Moday through her blog and website and follow her on her YouTube channel, Functional Medicine TV.
