Losing Just One Night's Sleep Changes Your Immune System, Study Finds
We all know sleep is important, but it takes up so much time. With responsibilities and diversions still looming from our waking life, the urge to skimp on sleep can be powerful.
Yet as a new study suggests, even a single night of sleep deprivation may cause significant upheaval in the immune system, potentially contributing to the development of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The perils of chronic sleep deprivation are widely known, from mood changes and cognitive impairments to health problems like heart attacks or strokes.
There is abundant evidence linking poor sleep with these and other ailments, and abundant evidence suggesting health problems like these are commonly driven by chronic inflammation, the authors of the new study point out.
There is less evidence, however, about the specific mechanisms involved: How exactly could sleep deprivation lead to the systemic inflammation that goes on to impair people's health?
For the new study, researchers from the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait sought to understand the influence of sleep deprivation on circulating immune cells, such as monocytes, and its association with systemic inflammation.
Monocytes are large leukocytes, or white blood cells, that play key roles in the innate immune system, which provides the body's first line of defense against intruders. There are three subsets of monocytes in humans: classical, non-classical, and intermediate.
Non-classical monocytes patrol for pathogens in vasculature and extravascular tissues, the study's authors explain, using inflammatory cues to help them regulate the body's immune response.
The researchers recruited 276 healthy Kuwaiti adults with varying body mass indices (BMIs), 237 of whom ended up completing the study. They analyzed the subjects' sleep patterns, and monitored their blood for levels of different monocyte subsets as well as inflammation markers.
Obese participants had significantly lower sleep quality than leaner participants, the study found, along with higher chronic low-grade inflammation. They also had more non-classical monocytes, which correlated with lower sleep quality and increased pro-inflammatory markers.
In another part of the study, five healthy, lean adults submitted blood samples throughout a 24-hour period of sleep deprivation. These were compared to control blood samples taken after the participants had had a few days of refreshing sleep.
Even just 24 hours of sleep deprivation apparently altered the monocyte profiles in lean participants to resemble those of obese participants, a condition the researchers note is known to promote chronic inflammation.
The answer may seem obvious – just get more sleep – but it's rarely that simple in real life. Modern civilization conspires to keep us up late, argues lead author Fatema Al-Rashed, a researcher at the Dasman Diabetes Institute.
"Our findings underscore a growing public health challenge. Advancements in technology, prolonged screen time, and shifting societal norms are increasingly disruptive to regular sleeping hours," Al-Rashed says.
"This disruption in sleep has profound implications for immune health and overall well-being."
Future research should continue this examination of the links between sleep deprivation and immune changes, Al-Rashed and her colleagues write.
They also hope to learn if any interventions might help mitigate this effect, such as structured sleep therapies or guidelines for limiting use of technology.
"In the long term, we aim for this research to drive policies and strategies that recognize the critical role of sleep in public health," Al-Rashed says.
"We envision workplace reforms and educational campaigns promoting better sleep practices, particularly for populations at risk of sleep disruption due to technological and occupational demands.
"Ultimately, this could help mitigate the burden of inflammatory diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases," she says.
The study was published in The Journal of Immunology.
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Newsweek
11-05-2025
- Newsweek
Gen X Man Shares What His Midlife Looks Like: 'Investment'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When people think about turning 50, they might associate it with slowing down and taking more time for themselves. But not Mustafa Rashed, who is transforming how people view midlife fitness after investing in his health. Fitness has always been important for Rashed, who has spent years taking care of his body and staying in shape. But the Generation Xer (people born between 1965 and 1980) doesn't plan on slowing down now, as he works out for two to three hours, seven days a week. In fact, 50-year-old Rashed, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thinks his health is even better than when he was half his age, but he told Newsweek that it's still just "a work in progress." He mixes his daily workouts between strength training, cycling, running, yoga, and surfing. And if that wasn't enough, last year he also started ensuring he hits 10,000 steps every day to boost his fitness. Mustafa Rashed, 50, running and surfing as part of his regular fitness regime. Mustafa Rashed, 50, running and surfing as part of his regular fitness regime. @mustafalrashed / Instagram "I'm willing to trade in sleep to fit everything in," Rashed said. "I'm up every day by 4 a.m. and move a little before work while getting ready for my day. I do the hard stuff first and it gives me the energy and confidence to tackle the rest of my day. Early wins create great momentum for the day. "My philosophy is that as you age, you're going to be stiff from movement or stiff from not moving. So, you might as well have the benefit of movement." Fueling his body with nutrition has also become an important element to Rashed's wellbeing. He explained that he limits his sugar intake, opts for food in its "natural form," and tries to eat as many whole foods as possible. "Food is fuel, and I am very conscious of only putting the best fuel in my engine," he said. Of course, staying on top of his health requires plenty of dedication. But Rashed doesn't see himself as motivated, but rather, disciplined. While motivation can come and go, discipline remains with him and it allows him to "lay the foundation" for the lifestyle he wants when he's sixty, seventy, and beyond. If he remains consistent, he sees no reason why he can't maintain this active lifestyle well into his senior years. "I want a full, present, quality life, and to live independently without assistance to be able to physically participate in raising my children and be with my grandchildren. I also want my boys to know that through consistency and discipline, they can accomplish anything they set their minds to," Rashed told Newsweek. As he gets older, Rashed does face additional challenges, such as a longer warm-up routine and recovery period. But he doesn't let that deter him from his goals, as he says that "movement is the investment." Age is just a number after all, and Rashed doesn't see it as a barrier to being in top physical condition. He continued: "It's a way to prove to yourself that anything is possible. The feeling of being able to push your body past its limits will give you the confidence to do amazing things in all the other areas in your life." Rashed often shares videos on Instagram (@mustafalrashed) to showcase his steadfast workout routine and the progress he continues to make. In April, he shared a video of his active lifestyle and highlighted that "aging is inevitable," but that doesn't have to mean being unhealthy. The clip has gone viral with more than 6.3 million views and 352,000 likes on Instagram at the time of writing. The online response to the video is beyond anything Rashed imagined, and he hopes to encourage many other people to invest in their health now for their later years. Whether they're just starting or getting back into a fitness routine, it's never too late. It's not about secret hacks or gimmicks to stay fit—it's just about commitment. Rashed said: "You have to commit to the same boring, effective routines every day. Boring is good and it delivers the best results over time." Social media users have hailed Rashed for his motivational perspective, leading to more than 3,400 comments on the viral Instagram post so far. One comment reads: "True definition of HEALTH IS WEALTH!" Another person said: "Thank you for that reminder!" While another Instagram user wrote: "Exercise: Fountain of Youth." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Associated Press
Shah Equity & Shah Health Partners: Transforming Healthcare in the Gulf
Image used for illustrative purpose. Construction workers are seen on the site of a newly constructed bridge that is nearing completion at the Jahra roundabout in Kuwait City September 1, 2011. STR New, Reuters A groundbreaking collaboration between Shah Equity and Wafra International Investments has sent ripples through the Middle Eastern healthcare sector. This bold venture—a $50 million pension hospital project in Kuwait—combines cutting-edge clinical expertise, solidified financial backing, and a keen focus on high-impact specialties. At its core, Shah Equity's healthcare subsidiary, Shah Health Partners, will manage and acquire the hospital's gastrointestinal (GI) department, highlighting a pivotal moment in Gulf-region medicine. 'Healthcare in the Middle East is evolving faster than most expect,' says Noorullah Hussaini, Founder and CEO of Shah Equity. 'By bringing U.S.-trained physicians and modern technology into this Kuwaiti hospital, we're aiming to set a new standard for patient care and long-term value & gaining exposure into this emerging market within healthcare.' Shah Equity has already made a name for itself, integrating private equity efficiency with hedge fund liquidity across diverse sectors. Its healthcare wing, Shah Health Partners, stands out by deploying U.S.-recruited specialists and advanced protocols in regions where top-grade medical services are in high demand. This reputation, along with Wafra International's financial muscle, paves the way for an alliance poised to reshape healthcare accessibility in Kuwait and beyond. A $50 Million Dollar Hospital Expansion for Kuwaiti Residents Set to Complete in 2026 The hospital initiative underscores a growing trend in the Gulf: strategic investments that fuse world-class patient care with significant business potential. 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Hospital administrators also recognize that these departments can be strong revenue generators, given the complexity and frequency of procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. Dr. Yousuf Abdi, a New York-based gastroenterologist set to lead the GI department under Shah Health Partners, emphasizes the potential: 'The Gulf's demographics point to significant growth in GI-related cases. By bringing advanced diagnostic tools and new treatment methods, we're not just responding to an immediate need—we're laying the groundwork for a long-term improvement in patient outcomes.' With Shah Health Partners at the helm, the GI department plans to introduce cutting-edge endoscopic equipment, streamlined training programs, and patient-centered procedures. This approach has already proven successful at the American Hospital in Dubai, where Shah Health Partners manages the GI vertical, earning praise for its outcomes and technology-driven efficiency. Strategic Edge: Shah Equity and Wafra International Although distinct in their backgrounds, Shah Equity and Wafra International each bring formidable strengths. Wafra, established in Qatar, has long championed projects that balance profitability with community impact. The investment giant has multiple interests spanning real estate, hospitality, and more, but healthcare is an arena it aims to reinforce—especially in a region with soaring demand for specialized services. Founded in 2022, Shah Equity quickly evolved from a niche private equity-and-hedge-fund fusion into a global player. Through Shah Health Partners, the firm sharpened its focus on advanced medical services. A network of over 100 U.S.-trained physicians offers a blueprint of clinical rigor, modern surgical techniques, and research-driven therapies. This blueprint, now exported to Kuwait, includes an entire operating structure: recruiting top-tier talent, deploying advanced hardware, and embedding comprehensive quality control. 'Our role goes beyond a standard acquisition,' Hussaini observes. 'We dive deep into operational protocols, ensuring best practices, sophisticated diagnostics, and a patient-friendly culture from day one. We've shown in Dubai that an American approach to medicine, adapted to local needs, elevates both care standards and long-term profitability.' Kuwait's Emerging Healthcare Landscape Kuwait exemplifies broader transformations unfolding across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Governments and private investors alike are channeling considerable sums into hospitals, clinics, and specialized centers. A more informed, health-conscious public demands world-class care. 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Shah Equity's approach—integrating U.S. expertise with local insight—seems well-suited to fulfill that promise. Yet success depends on delivering consistent outcomes and demonstrating real value for patients who demand world-class care in their home country. 'Data-driven decisions, specialized recruitment, and cutting-edge technology are the cornerstones of how we operate,' Hussaini says. 'They're also what the Middle East's growing healthcare sector urgently needs. When Wafra and Shah Equity unite those elements, we're confident in our ability to set a new benchmark for medical excellence.' If the Kuwait Pension hospital lives up to its promise, it could accelerate a healthcare renaissance across the Gulf. Other alliances may emerge, each vying to serve increasingly discerning patients. Meanwhile, Shah Equity's expanding portfolio of high-level clinical services could transform it into a leading healthcare powerhouse, bridging Western standards and Middle Eastern opportunities. At its heart, the collaboration underscores a simple but powerful truth: when visionary financial resources merge with genuine medical expertise, remarkable progress is possible. The outcomes in Kuwait—whether measured in patient satisfaction, profitability, or additional market expansion—will likely echo far beyond a single hospital, inspiring future cross-border projects in one of the world's fastest-evolving healthcare arenas. Media Contact City: Dallas
Associated Press
26-03-2025
- Associated Press
KFAS Announces Call for Nominations for 2025 Al Sumait Prize for African Development in the Field of Food Security
The Al Sumait Prize is in its 11th year, and nominations for the million-dollar prize are called for in the field of Food Security on the African continent KUWAIT CITY, KUWAIT, March 26, 2025 / / -- The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) today announces the call for nominations for the 2025 Al Sumait Prize for African Development in the field of food security. Now in its 11th year, this prestigious award, valued at $1 million, is presented annually to individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to the advancement of health, food security, or education in Africa. The Al Sumait Prize is named in honour of the late Dr Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, a Kuwaiti physician who dedicated his life to helping disadvantaged communities across Africa. Established in 2015 at the request of the late Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the prize recognizes groundbreaking research, innovative projects, and applied initiatives that contribute to Africa's sustainable development. The Al Sumait Prize's Board of Trustees is led by Kuwait's Minister of Foreign Affairs and includes esteemed members from global organizations such as the Gates Foundation, FAO, UNESCO, and IAEA. Past laureates include renowned institutions such as the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases and the Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), demonstrating the prize's commitment to impactful advancements. For 2025, the prize will be awarded in the field of food security, recognizing individuals or institutions whose research projects or initiatives have significantly contributed to one or more of the following areas: • Developing new seed, crop, or livestock varieties to enhance food security and nutrition in Africa. • Increasing the shelf life, caloric, and nutritional value of locally produced and consumed food. • Improving smallholder farmers' access to agricultural inputs, techniques, technologies, and markets to ensure the availability of nutritious food for vulnerable communities. • Enhancing farmers' resilience to climate change and extreme weather variability to secure sustainable food production and nutrition. • Reducing food waste and food loss across Africa's agrifood systems. • Advancing alternative agrifood systems to increase productivity while reducing water footprints, especially in marginal environments. • Promoting the adoption of modern business strategies, digitalization, and marketing in the field of food security and nutrition. • Implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to combat food insecurity and malnutrition. • Addressing gender equality and women's empowerment in achieving food security. • Developing strategies to improve agricultural livelihoods, food security, and nutrition during pandemics. Eligibility and Submission Requirements: Eligible candidates include organizations and research institutions whose initiatives and programs have significantly contributed to solving food security challenges in Africa, as well as outstanding researchers nominated by their institutions or peers. Submitted work must be innovative, have a demonstrable high impact in Africa, and contribute to economic, social, human resources, or infrastructure development within the field. Research should be published in peer-reviewed journals and recognized at a global level, with practical applications in African countries over the past ten years. Nominations must be submitted in English. If the original work is in another language, a comprehensive summary in English must be provided. Deadline for Nominations: Prize info Kuwait Foundation for Advancement of Sciences +965 2227 0465 email us here X LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer:
