Sleep, Immunity, and Inflammation

How sleep disturbance and extremes of duration are linked with markers of inflammation.

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Evidence suggests…

A systematic review of cohort and experimental studies links sleep disturbance and long sleep with higher inflammatory markers such as CRP and IL-6, suggesting a pathway connecting poor sleep to health risk. Evidence is moderate and the direction of effect is not fully resolved. We present the association, not a claim that better sleep prevents illness.

Informational all levels home

longevityrecoverybetter sleepgeneral adultsolder adults

Common misconceptions

“Sleep has no link to immune health.” Disturbed sleep tracks with higher inflammatory markers.
“More sleep boosts immunity without limit.” Very long sleep also correlates with inflammation.

What we won't claim

Do not claim to diagnose, treat, or cure insomnia, sleep apnea, or any sleep disorder
Do not promise guaranteed, instant, or permanent improvements in sleep
Do not present these general hygiene techniques as clinical therapy (e.g., CBT-I) or a substitute for medical care
Do not claim sleep prevents, treats, or cures infections or immune disease

When to seek a professional

Loud snoring with witnessed gasping/choking or breathing pauses plus daytime sleepiness (possible obstructive sleep apnea), refer to a clinician
Difficulty falling or staying asleep at least 3 nights/week for 3+ months with daytime impairment (possible chronic insomnia disorder), refer to a clinician
Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate time in bed, or falling asleep involuntarily during activities, refer to a clinician

Key sources (3), grade mix A:1 · B:0 · C:2

Every source below carries its own grade and links to the original study. This is the audit trail.

AM. Irwin, R. Olmstead, J. Carroll (2015) · Biological Psychiatry · 10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.05.014

CR. Leproult, U. Holmbäck, E. van Cauter (2014) · Diabetes · 10.2337/db13-1546

CM. Hall, Stephen F. Smagula, R. Boudreau, H. Ayonayon, Suzanne E. Goldman, T. Harris, Barbara L. Naydeck, S. Rubin, Laura B. Samuelsson, S. Satterfield, K. Stone, M. Visser, A. Newman (2015) · Sleep · 10.5665/sleep.4394

✓Explore all 891 studies in Sleep →

The full evidence base this focus area draws on, every study with its grade and DOI.