Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Cancer Surgeon Warns of Sleep's Role in Immunity
A cancer doctor named Dr. Tarang Krishna says that not getting enough sleep can make your body's defense system, called the immune system, weaker.
He explains that when you don't sleep well, your body can't fight off sicknesses as well.
Another doctor, Dr. Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, says that even one night of bad sleep can cause problems like making you feel grumpy, tired, and more likely to get sick.
They both suggest ways to sleep better, like going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, not looking at screens before bed, and getting some sunlight during the day.
These habits can help your body stay healthy without needing special pills or foods.
Poor sleep weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to diseases like fatigue, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
The hormone melatonin, which helps with sleep, doesn't work properly if you stay awake, preventing the immune system from recharging.
Early signs of impaired immunity due to lack of sleep include increased inflammatory markers, irritability, reduced concentration, and slower recovery.
To improve sleep and strengthen immunity, experts recommend consistent sleep schedules, reduced screen time before bed, natural light exposure, stress management, limiting caffeine, and avoiding heavy late meals.
Chronic low-grade inflammation from poor sleep can weaken the body's ability to respond to infections and increase vulnerability to metabolic disorders.
- Who
- Dr. Tarang Krishna, a cancer surgeon, and Dr. Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, a consultant physician
- What
- The impact of poor sleep on immunity and how to improve sleep for better health
- When
- Recent Instagram post by Dr. Tarang Krishna and expert advice provided to IndianExpress.com
- Where
- Online platforms and expert consultations
- Why
- To raise awareness about the importance of sleep in maintaining a strong immune system
- Expert
- Dr. Tarang Krishna, Cancer Surgeon
- Key Finding
- Poor sleep weakens immunity and increases susceptibility to diseases
- Hormone Affected
- Melatonin
- Early Signs of Impaired Immunity
- Increased inflammatory markers, irritability, reduced concentration, slower recovery
- Recommended Actions
- Consistent sleep schedule, reduced screen time before bed, natural light exposure, stress management, limited caffeine, and avoiding heavy late meals