UCSF Study Tests Whether Sleep Loss Affects Covid Vaccine

Amid the struggle for individual and herd immunity against COVID-19, people wonder about the effectiveness of different vaccines. Yet, they tend to forget one key aspect of the whole immunization process — their immune reaction. 

Indeed, all available COVID-19 vaccines are remarkably effective against the virus in the short run, but how long the protection lasts is still unknown. Each individual that has been tested for antibodies shows different results. 

The factors that can modify the immune response to the coronavirus vaccine are in the focus of a new UCSF study called the Building Optimal Antibodies Study (or BOOST). 

Similar studies reveal that sleep, stress, age, and obesity can influence vaccine efficacy (flu shot, Hepatitis B) and viral infection risk (common cold).

A study of the UC of San Francisco showed that lack of sleep inhibits our immunity and makes us four times more susceptible to catching a cold, regardless of age, weight, and race. 

What’s more, researchers found out that anxiety and psychological strain promote the fading of some vaccines’ efficacy.

BOOST will check whether this is also true for the vaccines against COVID-19. 

Given how complicated and slow the vaccination process is, the goal is to get the most out of it — in other words, a longer-lasting immunity.

The desired response is the massive production of T cells (killer cells) and B cells that produce specific antibodies against COVID-19. 

The study will evaluate both in participant’s blood one and six months after vaccination. The subject’s emotional state, anxiety level, sleep, and health parameters will be assessed through a short questionnaire. 

If it’s true that sleep and stress affect vaccine outcomes, coronasomnia sufferers are in for a ride. Still, everyone can join the fight against COVID-19 by choosing a good mattress, sleep aid, or simply relaxing more.