Lack of sleep can have many negative health effects, so a recent study explored the link between multiple sclerosis and insufficient sleep.
Frankfurt – Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease and is therefore one of the chronic diseases. It is inflammation of the central nervous system. The brain and spinal cord are also affected. The condition is often first diagnosed in young adulthood and affects loudly German Multiple Sclerosis Society (dmsg) around 2.8 million people worldwide. Scientists are not only researching treatment methods, but also the reasons for the development of MS. They found that a lack of sleep can have an impact on the risk of MS.
Sleeping less than five hours can promote multimorbidity, but until now it has not been clear what impact sleep deprivation can have on MS. The Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Karolinska Institute of the University of Solna near Stockholm investigated in a Study People who slept seven to nine hours and people who slept less than seven hours a night.
Lack of sleep at a young age impacts MS risk
They found out that sufficient sleep at a young age contributes to immune function and can therefore have a preventive effect once morest MS. According to dmgs, the cause of MS has not been fully clarified, which is why an interaction of several factors is considered to be the cause of the disease. On the one hand, genetics can play an important role, but also other influencing factors that have a negative effect on the immune system.
This plays a crucial role in MS disease. This is why MS is also referred to as an autoimmune disease. The reason for this is a malfunction in the immune system: it forms cells, antibodies and inflammatory substances that can damage nerve fibers and cells. Some researchers also assume that the Epstein-Barr virus is the trigger for MS and are therefore researching a vaccine.
The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor. Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
Therefore, the formation of a strong immune system in childhood and adolescence is important to reduce the risk. And according to the study by the Swedish university, this is possible with sufficient sleep. They also looked at a possible increased risk for shift workers, but found that MS risk can be increased if shift work interferes with sleep in young adulthood. In addition to lack of sleep, the study lists other MS risk factors at a young age.
Factors at a young age that might later lead to an increased risk of MS
- lack of sleep
- Genetic Influencing Factors
- Smoking
- overweight
- Epstein-Barr virus infection
- sun exposure
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Those: Study by the Caroline Institute of the University of Solna
Diet can also play a role in the development of the immune system. There are foods that can have a particularly anti-inflammatory effect. (mm)