We all know the benefits of sleep. It helps us in a variety of ways, such as a healthy weight, alertness, creativity and lowers your risk of diseases, like diabetes and heart disease as well as reducing stress and improving our overall daily mood.
However, you might not have made the connection between sleep and how it affects the immune response to a COVID-19 vaccine. The better your sleep schedule, the more quickly your immune system will bounce back from a vaccine.
Effective Immune Response
Studies have found that those who get sufficient sleep in the two days before a vaccination have a more effective immune response. The vaccine is more likely to work in these patients. It’s essential that you, as a health care worker, know the immunity-improving effects of sleep.
A recent study titled “Temporal Links Between Self-Reported Sleep and Antibody Responses to the Influenza Vaccine” found that the flu vaccine appears to be more effective in people who get a sufficient duration of sleep for the two nights prior to receiving the shot. When someone schedules a COVID-19 vaccination, make sure to tell them to get a full night’s sleep for the two days leading up to the vaccination. It will help their body respond well and help prevent infection.
Recovery Through Sleep
Sleep also helps the body recover after stress, which can help patients avoid side effects and issues after vaccination. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic people are getting less sleep than they used to. In a survey conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 33% of respondents stated they have poorer sleep quality, and 30% have trouble falling asleep. It becomes more important than ever to have a good evening sleep routine.
A Better Night’s Sleep
You can help patients improve their sleep with a few suggestions. A night routine can create a feeling of calm before bed. Journaling or meditating can help soothe the mind.
The bedroom should be a place focused on rest. Reducing noise and distractions is an important part of sleeping well. Avoid watching TV in bed. Finally, reducing blue light exposure can help with restful sleep. This includes avoiding TV, cell phone use, and other electronic devices before bedtime.
Source: Newswire
