Khaberni - A recent scientific study conducted in Saudi Arabia revealed a troubling link between anxiety disorders, insomnia, stress, and a decrease in the number of immune cells known as "natural killer" (NK) cells, which are one of the most important initial defense lines in the human body.
These cells represent a pivotal part of the immune system, tasked with destroying pathogens and infected cells before they spread, making their deficiency a direct factor in weakening immunity and increasing susceptibility to diseases, according to a report published by the global scientific site "MedicalXpress".
The study, published by the prestigious journal Frontiers in Immunology, focused on 60 female students aged between 17 and 23 years old. Anxiety and insomnia were diagnosed through self-administered questionnaires, while blood samples were analyzed to determine the levels and subtypes of NK cells.
Clear decline in immune defenses
The results showed that 53% of the participants suffer symptoms associated with insomnia, while 75% reported symptoms of anxiety, including moderate and severe cases. When analyzing the blood samples, it was found that students suffering from symptoms of insomnia had a decreased total count and subtypes of NK cells.
On the other hand, the results were more clear among those suffering from anxiety; this group recorded a significant decrease in circulating immune cells in the blood, which are cells linked to crucial functions in protecting the body from infections. It also appeared that the severity of anxiety played an additional role, as the proportion of immune cells was further reduced in those with moderate or severe symptoms.
The significance of this decrease stems from the vital role of the NK cell types, including "CD16+CD56dim", which are the most prevalent and responsible for directly killing infected cells. Along with "CD16+CD56high", which are fewer in number but responsible for producing proteins that regulate the immune response.
Effects on general health
The lead researcher, Dr. Renad Al-Hamawi from Taibah University, pointed out that "this decline in these cells can lead to a malfunction in the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of diseases, including cancer and mental disorders such as depression." She added that understanding the impact of psychological stress on the distribution and function of immune cells may help in the future to explain certain mechanisms of inflammation and tumor formation.
Despite the importance of the results, the study noted that it was limited by focusing on a specific age group of females, which is a group that experiences a noticeable rise in anxiety and sleep disorders. Therefore, researchers call for expanding future studies to include both genders and different age groups.
Previous studies have indicated that adopting a healthy lifestyle (including physical activity, regular sleep, stress reduction, and a balanced diet) can enhance the numbers and functions of NK cells... However, the continuation of anxiety and insomnia can disrupt the function of the immune system and increase the risks of chronic and inflammatory diseases.
Al-Hamawi concluded that "the negative effects of anxiety and insomnia are not limited to mental health only, but also extend to undermining the immune system, making it necessary to address these disorders to maintain quality of life."
