The Ultimate Sleep: 7 Amazing Facts About Hibernation That Defy Science

Hibernation and the Immune System

During hibernation, an animal's immune system undergoes significant changes. While one might assume that a dormant state would weaken immune defenses, hibernating animals actually exhibit a unique form of immune regulation. Their immune system is not entirely shut down but rather operates at a low level, ready to respond to infections if necessary. This balance allows hibernating animals to conserve energy while still maintaining some degree of protection against pathogens. Understanding how hibernation affects immune function could have implications for human health, particularly in developing strategies to manage autoimmune diseases and improve organ transplant outcomes.