Insomnia in women: A study of young women has found that insomnia and anxiety may reduce the number of immune cells, potentially weakening the body’s defence system.
Researchers at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia said symptoms of insomnia or anxiety appear to lower the count of natural killer cells, which destroy pathogens and infected cells in the body.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, looked at 60 female students who completed questionnaires about insomnia and anxiety symptoms. Researchers then analysed blood samples from the participants to measure natural killer cell levels.
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Results showed that young women reporting insomnia symptoms had lower total counts of natural killer cells. Those experiencing anxiety symptoms had fewer of these cells circulating in their bloodstreams.
Three-quarters of participants reported generalised anxiety disorder symptoms at various severity levels, while more than half said they experienced insomnia, according to the authors.
Students showing signs of generalised anxiety disorder had lower percentages and counts of circulating natural killer cells and their subpopulations compared to students without symptoms. Among students suffering from insomnia, higher anxiety scores corresponded with lower proportions of total peripheral natural killer cells.
Participants with moderate to severe anxiety symptoms showed significantly reduced percentages of circulating natural killer cells. Those with minimal or mild anxiety symptoms showed a smaller, statistically insignificant decline in these cells.
Students reporting insomnia symptoms and higher anxiety scores had lower counts of total peripheral natural killer cells.
A reduced natural killer cell count can weaken immune function, possibly raising the risk of disease, cancer and mental health conditions, including depression, the researchers said.
The findings may help scientists better understand how anxiety and insomnia affect the body and could aid in preventing immune-related disorders and cancers, the research team said.
