When the COVID-19 virus was declared to be causing a global pandemic in March 2020, we all thought it was an extended vacation period. But as of today, it is still going on. Our sleep has been affected, most of us being shut inside our homes and no socializing also means sadness and depression. Our routines have drastically changed, the situation outside and the news has also made us quite grim throughout. With the vaccination process now ongoing, we are a little relieved. But is the COVID 19 vaccine going to be effective without us sleeping properly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle? 

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the name of the disease which occurred as a result of the virus SARS-CoV-2, a brand new variety of coronavirus first detected in Wuhan, China in late 2019. The virus is most easily transmitted through respiratory droplets when people are in close contact of around six feet or less. The virus also spreads through transmission mechanisms, by aerosols that are released when talking or breathing, and remain suspended within the air for an extended amount of time. Airborne virus transmission can occur even when people are six feet apart and are more likely in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. Less often, the coronavirus will be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary significantly among people infected with the virus. While some people are asymptomatic, others develop major symptoms, like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell, headache and body ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, runny nose, etc. 

In severe cases, COVID-19 can cause trouble breathing, pain or pressure within the chest, confusion, inability to sit up, and pale or discolored skin, lips, or nail beds. If experiencing these symptoms, please seek emergency medical attention.

Healthy sleep and immunity 

Healthy sleep is crucial to a powerful immune system. As COVID-19 vaccines are distributed, it is important that folks still get sufficient sleep for the best immunity. Sleep loss is linked to changes in several immune processes. Poor sleep may weaken your defenses against illnesses. It would negatively affect how your body responds to a vaccine, increasing your risk for illness. For this reason, sleep deprivation during a worldwide pandemic is very risky. As COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed slowly in India, it is of utmost importance that people still prioritize their sleep to take care of optimal health. Getting sufficient, high-quality sleep daily strengthens your body’s immunity and increases your response to a vaccine.

There is extensive evidence of the link between sleep and immunity. Several studies have found a relationship between sleep duration and vaccination response. A 2020 study found that the flu vaccine appears to be more effective in people who get enough sleep for the 2 nights before receiving the shot. Other studies have made similar findings evaluating patients’ responses to vaccines for hepatitis A and B. 

What happens to our bodies when we sleep? 

When we sleep, our body recovers from the day. It works to repair muscles, organs, and cells. Hormones are regulated that support our metabolism, immunologic response, and other key functions. Our brain sorts and stores new information and prepare us mentally for the subsequent day by regulating our mood.

How to get that good sleep?

To stay healthy, especially during the covid season and before and after you get the vaccine, seven to nine hours of nightly sleep is necessary. This will help keep your immune system in very good shape and also protect you from other health issues including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. 

Naps

If your sleep schedule is in bad shape and you need to change some sleeping habits, try to make up for the lost rest with naps. Taking two naps that are no longer than 30 minutes each, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It has been shown to help decrease stress and also keeps you fresh and going all throughout the day. It also decreases the effects of sleep deprivation tremendously.  If you can’t have a half-hour nap during the workday, try getting a 20-minute one during your lunch hour, and another sometime before dinner. 

When we sleep properly or take such small naps, it also helps our productivity and helps the brain to process more information, and even new information, faster. Let your boss know that working late nights may just not add to any productivity and harm decision-making as well!

Change the bedroom environment

For a night of good sleep, help set up your bedroom with the best things available in the market for your sleeping needs. The early summer mornings require you to get some shade to complete your sleep. Install Livpure’s blackout curtains to keep your room dark and cool through the brutal sunlight early in the morning. Livpure Sleep has the best mattress, pillows, and every other thing you need for a good sleep and you can buy online. As you work with stress management, let us take care of the other needs for that good sleep. 

Immunity boosting good practices 

It is also important to practice smart stay-healthy strategies such as washing your hands with soap regularly, avoiding close contact with people who are obviously sick or have symptoms and talking with your doctor about getting any necessary medication and flu shots. Eating clean and healthy is also very important for your body. In these stressful times, also take out some time to get some exercise and meditation worked into the routine. These things will not only keep your body going but also keep your mental health straight and positive. You need all the positivity you can get during these times. 

If you want to wake up your body ready for a good workout, or not be bothered by anybody's aches due to post-workout stress, invest in an orthopedic memory foam mattress from Livpure which gives a great level of comfort and cradles your body just right. And you also need our memory foam pillow to keep your neck and head supported the right way, and our comforter to keep yourself warm on those air-conditioned nights. At Livpure Sleep, we take care of all your sleeping needs so that you can catch those seven to eight hours and be healthy this season. 

Takeaway

Just like eating, working, and exercising, it is important to maintain a regular sleep routine. For most adults, between seven to eight hours a night is sufficient. Going to bed and waking up at a similar time each day can help maintain a sense of routine and normality, and help you follow through the day with plans. Sleep helps conquer sickness and increases immunity, and you need it right now in these times. Get the vaccine to protect yourself from the virus, and get sleep to make it effective.