Dr. Valery Litvinov, senior researcher in the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology at Perm Technical University, points out that rest is an effective tool for strengthening the immune system.
According to him, deep rest reduces the level of cortisol in the body, which inhibits the activity of genes necessary for the maturation of immune cells.
The expert explains that the body produces the hormone cortisol in response to any stress. In times of danger, this hormone temporarily suppresses all non-essential functions to direct energy to the muscles and brain. Specifically, it prevents the activation of genes necessary for the maturation of immune cells in the lymph nodes. When stress becomes chronic, its levels in the blood remain consistently high, making people more susceptible to viruses, slowing wound healing, and delaying recovery from illnesses.
He says: “During inactivity and deep rest, cortisol production drops to normal levels. The activated immune system reacts to this with a reverse cascade, where genes that were previously suppressed become active, and lymphocytes begin producing antibodies at full capacity. The decrease in this hormone also allows immune cells to recognize viruses and bacteria more effectively and begin fighting them more quickly.”
According to him, for this reason, people who tend to be inactive get sick less often and recover more easily and quickly.
