The effect of insufficient sleep on lymphocytes -recent literature review

Normal sleep plays an important role in maintaining human health. Nowadays, insufficient sleep is a common problem in the population. The relationship between sleep and immunity is intricate. Lymphocytes are the major immune cells of the body, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Does insufficient sleep affect lymphocyte function? Could catch-up sleep restore lymphocyte function? There is no clear answer. Our study found that insufficient sleep significantly altered the distribution and ratios of lymphocytes among different tissues (blood, spleen, spinal cord and lymph nodes) rather than their proliferation. The effects of chronic insufficient sleep were also different from those of acute insufficient sleep. Sleep deprivation may alter lymphocyte function by modulating the expression of immune-related proteins. Sleep deprivation increased the susceptibility to allergy and inflammation. Catch-up sleep has positive effects on restoring lymphocyte function. Our study concluded that insufficient sleep led to redistribution of lymphocytes, as well as changes in proportions and functions of lymphocytes significantly, catch-up sleep is beneficial.