7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Not getting enough sleep will not only leave you feeling fatigued, but you may also be more vulnerable to illness. The body uses sleep as a way to heal itself. When you don’t get enough sleep — or you don’t reach the deeper stages of sleep — healing is impaired. During sleep, your immune system releases certain proteins called cytokines. Cytokines mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation. Sleep deprivation may decrease the production of cytokines. Also, infection-fighting antibodies and cells are reduced when you don't get enough sleep. So let the longer hours of winter darkness work for you! Experts recommend that adults sleep at least seven hours a night to increase their resistance to infectious disease.