Sleep disorders are a cause of many illnesses besides the flu… Diabetes, heart rhythm disorders and heart disease, obesity, and depression… Even cancer can be linked to sleep deprivation.
The relationship between the immune system, melatonin, and sleep is as follows:
The immune system works like a detective. Every day, it scans for either tumor cells that form inside the body and multiply uncontrollably, or harmful external agents like bacteria and viruses. If something is amiss (such as toxic substances entering the body from the outside), it clears them out. A weakened immune system can lead to cancer. For this reason, people who work at night are at greater risk for these diseases. Today, there are many studies indicating that the melatonin hormone strengthens the immune system. The melatonin hormone positively influences immune cells. However, melatonin can only perform its function with healthy, quality sleep. Insomnia therefore increases susceptibility to the flu. Infection also causes sleep problems in a person. This interdependent situation also slows down the recovery process from illnesses.