It's well known that lack of sleep can increase your chances of getting sick. A new study shows just how direct that connection is.
The research found that the circadian clocks of mice control an essential immune system gene that helps their bodies ward off bacteria and viruses. When levels of that particular gene, called toll-like receptor 9, were at their highest, the mice were better able to withstand infections.
According to the Huffington Post:
“Circadian rhythms are internal oscillations that follow an approximately 24-hour cycle and regulate various physiological and mental processes. The rhythms are controlled by a particular group of nerve cells in the brain and can be influenced by behavior.”