Crimean researcher says deep rest lowers cortisol, supports immune function

A professor at Simferopol University's Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology says deep rest strengthens the immune system by lowering cortisol levels in the body. According to Valeriy Litvinov, cortisol — a hormone released in response to stress — suppresses the activation of genes in lymph nodes needed for immune cells to mature. Litvinov noted that the hormone temporarily shuts down non-essential functions during danger to direct energy to muscles and the brain. Under chronic stress, blood cortisol remains consistently high, leaving people more vulnerable to viruses and slowing both wound healing and recovery from illness. During deep rest and inactivity, Litvinov said, cortisol production returns to normal levels, allowing previously suppressed genes to reactivate and lymph cells to produce antibodies at full capacity. With the hormone reduced, immune cells can more effectively identify and combat viruses and bacteria, he added. The researcher said sedentary individuals therefore tend to fall ill less often and recover more easily and quickly when they do.