Researchers recently reported intriguing findings from a mouse study. Mice who had circadian rhythm disruptions were found to have higher levels of IL-6 (Interleukin 6) after LPS (lipopolysaccharide) challenge. I know you are just as excited as I was to hear this.
Okay, maybe you don’t get as excited about IL 6 and LPS as I do, but let me explain why this matters for you. A few definitions and a summary might help. Circadian rhythm disruption refers to significant alterations in sleep pattern. For humans, changing shift work, late nights, or other sleep changes would qualify. IL6 is an immune system hormone that turns up inflammation. LPS is a chemical from gut bacteria which can trigger major inflammation if it gets into our blood stream.
All together, if the mice don’t get their regular sleep, LPS from bacteria in their gut may trigger higher levels of IL6 in their blood. The IL6 triggers more inflammation. Bottom line: poor sleep increases inflammation from LPS through IL6.
This was just a mouse study, but if it is confirmed in humans, you have another reason for a good night’s rest. That is one reason Sanctuary Functional Medicine focused on whole person health… we know that sleep other and other lifestyle factors help patients live healthier, more abundant lives. Blessings.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
