The number and function of the immune system’s primary defenders, Natural Killer (NK) cells, may be significantly reduced due to symptoms of anxiety disorder and insomnia.
NK cells are a special type of white blood cell (lymphocytes) that form the first line of defense for the immune system. Their main mission is to provide a rapid and direct response to cells infected by viruses and to cancerous formations. They destroy these cells before the pathogen has a chance to spread. A deficit of these cells may lead to immune system dysfunction and a predisposition to diseases.
This alarming finding was confirmed by a new study conducted in Saudi Arabia, the results of which were published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology. The research, involving 60 young female students aged 17 to 23, aimed to establish a connection between anxiety, insomnia, and the count of NK cells.
The study results showed a clear link:
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Students with insomnia symptoms had a reduced total number and percentage of NK cells (both overall and their subpopulations).
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Students with anxiety symptoms showed a reduction in the percentage and count of circulating NK cells (and their subpopulations) compared to students without symptoms.
The researchers note that the severity of the symptoms played a significant role: students with moderate and severe anxiety symptoms had a significantly lower percentage of circulating NK cells.
As the study showed, approximately 53% of the participants reported insomnia, and 75% reported symptoms of anxiety.
The reduction of NK cells, especially the circulating subpopulations, may lead to a weakened immune system, which could result in various diseases, including cancer and mental health issues, such as depression.
