If You Don't Get Enough Sleep, You Might Catch A Cold

Most Americans aren't getting enough sleep and not only can that make you tired. It can also increase your risk for numerous health issues. Recent findings published in the journal SLEEP reveal that people who sleep less than six hours are more likely to catch a cold. 

In this recent study, researchers tracked 164 healthy men and women between the ages of 18 to 55 for a week at a time while monitoring how much they slept and exposing them to the rhinovirus, otherwise known as the common cold. All took part in a two-month health screening process between 2007 and 2011.

"The role that sleep has on the immune system is well-established, though not completely understood," said study lead author Aric Prather, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, via Health Day.

Researchers monitored the participants unusual sleep patterns. Following, they were all quarantined in a hotel for five days and also given nasal drops containing a cold virus.

Findings revealed that cold risk was 4.2 times greater for those who slept fewer than six hours a night and about 4.5 hours greater for anyone getting six hours a night. Furthermore, the risk was 4.5 times higher for anyone getting five hours or less of sleep when compared to those getting seven or more.

The Sleep Foundation notes that adults typically need at least seven hours of sleep a night. Some might need even more to really get a good night's rest. Unfortunately most aren't getting the recommended amount.

Researchers also found that even after accounting for numerous other factors including income, educational background, weight and obesity status, as well as stress levels and smoking status, and exercise routines and drinking habits, the findings held up.

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