Anxiety and insomnia can weaken the immune system

The immune parameters of 60 female students aged 17-23 were studied. The participants underwent surveys on anxiety and sleep quality, and then donated blood for NK cell analysis. The results were alarming: more than half of the girls reported symptoms similar to insomnia, and three quarters reported anxiety of varying severity.

The analysis showed that female students with anxiety symptoms had significantly lower numbers of circulating NK cells and their main subtypes. Moreover, the stronger the anxiety, the more noticeably the immune cells decreased. Girls with insomnia also showed a reduced proportion of NK cells, especially when sleep disorders were combined with anxiety.

A decrease in NK cell levels can lead to weakened immunity, increased susceptibility to infections, risk of chronic inflammation, and impaired mental health. Scientists note that psychological stress directly interferes with the immune system, changes the activity of protective cells, and may be involved in mechanisms related to inflammation and tumor processes.

The authors emphasize that the study has limitations — it was conducted only among young women. But the results point to an important trend: anxiety and sleep disorders are increasingly associated with real immune failures.

Experts remind that regular physical activity, stress reduction, maintaining sleep patterns and a balanced diet can strengthen the immune system and increase the level of NK cells. But with prolonged symptoms of anxiety or insomnia, it is important to seek professional help — these conditions affect not only emotions, but also the health of the entire body.