Kuwaiti scientists at the Dasman Diabetes Institute have found that sleep deprivation causes changes in immune cells similar to those seen in obese people. Even one sleepless night can significantly affect the immune system. The study is published in the scientific publication The Journal of Immunology (TJI).

The team, found that staying awake for 24 hours in healthy people changes the profile of monocytes - key immune system cells responsible for fighting inflammation. These changes resemble those seen in obese individuals, suggesting a link between poor sleep and chronic inflammation.

Nonclassical monocytes, which patrol the body and respond to inflammatory signals, were significantly elevated in obese participants and those who were sleep deprived. This correlated with poorer sleep quality and increased levels of pro-inflammatory markers.

Chronic sleep deprivation may contribute to inflammatory diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular pathologies.

Researchers plan to study the mechanisms linking sleep to immune changes, and to test whether sleep therapy and educational campaigns can help reverse the negative effects.