We all know when we have a good night’s sleep it makes us feel and function better during the day, but did you know, sleep is integral in building your immune system too? Studies have shown that people who get poor quality of sleep are more common to catching colds or viruses.
With that in mind, an easy way for all of us to increase our immune system and health is through improving the quality of our sleep each night.
The Science Behind Sleep and Immune System Performance
The science shows that while you sleep, your immune system produces proteins called cytokines, a specific type of protein that helps fight infection and inflammation. Cytokines effectively fighting against colds, viruses and other infections to keep you healthy.
The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Michael Breus, has a great analogy on how sleep affects your immune system - your immune system is your body’s football coach and sleep is its halftime break.
‘Good coaches make adjustments at halftime, after recognising what their opponents are doing effectively. Sleep plays the same role for your immune system, giving it a chance to fully assess any threats. The immune system can then deliberately tackle antigens, directing its cells – or players in this analogy – as they mount a counterattack. Without enough sleep, though, your body will have a hard time implementing the best game plan to fight back against illness,’ explains, Dr. Michael Breus.
A recent study conducted by The University of California found evidence that indicated poor sleep was the number one factor in determining whether someone would get sick after being exposed to the cold virus. The study showed subjects who slept less then 6 hours a night were 4.2 times more likely to catch the cold.
Wool and Improved Sleep Quality
Through its unique, natural properties Wool can assist you to improve your sleep quality and gain a better night’s sleep.
Unlike other fibres, wool is an active fibre that reacts to changes in the body temperature. Studies from the University of Sydney show that wool helps you stay warm when the weather is cold, and cool when the weather is hot. Sleeping with wool allows your body to adjust to its ideal temperature, so you sleep more peacefully and awake more refreshed.
“Wool regulates your body temperature far better, keeping you in what is known as ‘the thermal comfort zone.’ You therefore not only fall asleep quicker, sleep longer, but also have deeper, better quality sleep,” states Associate Professor Chin Moi Chow, The University of Sydney.
The MiniJumbuk Sleep System
The MiniJumbuk Sleep System has been developed with Australian Wool and hand-crafted in Naracoorte, South Australia, to help you get the best possible night’s sleep.
Our Sleep System is best thought of in terms of Aristotle’s concept of holistic synergies – the whole being greater than the sum of the parts.
When combining MiniJumbuk’s three core components - mattress topper, quilt and pillow - you gain the maximum benefits of sleeping with wool, leading to improved sleep quality and a better night’s sleep.
Ultimately, this can help you to build your immune system through a better night’s sleep.
