Inflammation Is the Latest Wellness Buzzword

At the retreat, guided hikes in the fresh mountain air, sessions in the infrared sauna, and practices like meditation and breath work weren’t optional extras – they were considered essential tools, but so too was sleep. Quality sleep is one of the most underrated yet powerful ways to reduce inflammation in the body. While you sleep, your body enters a restorative state: it lowers levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, repairs tissue, and balances cortisol (the stress hormone known to drive up inflammation when chronically elevated). In fact, studies have shown that even a single night of poor sleep can increase inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation contributes not just to fatigue and mood swings but also to increased risk of inflammatory conditions like heart disease, autoimmune issues, and even skin flare-ups.

So, how can we optimize sleep to support lower inflammation? First, consistency matters – aim for 7–9 hours per night, going to bed and waking up at the same time daily. Keep your room cool and dark, reduce screen exposure at least an hour before bed (blue light interferes with melatonin production), and avoid heavy meals or alcohol late at night.

Magnesium supplements or sleep supplements with nervous-system calming ingredients can also help support more restful sleep. Incorporating a wind-down routine—like reading, gentle stretching, or breathing exercises—can signal to the body it’s time to switch off. The goal isn’t just more sleep, but better quality sleep, because that’s when the real anti-inflammatory magic happens.

Exercise is medicine, but dosage matters

I always thought the more intense the workout, the better. But inflammation doesn’t necessarily agree. While regular movement is key to reducing inflammatory markers, the type, intensity and recovery are just as important. Long runs, high-intensity classes, and back-to-back sessions without proper rest can tip your body into a state of oxidative stress, especially if you’re already depleted.

More isn’t always better. If you’re noticing persistent fatigue, poor sleep, or constant muscle soreness, your workouts may be stressing your system and driving inflammation up, rather than down. Pay attention to how you recover, and whether your energy, digestion, and mood feel balanced. The sweet spot lies in consistency, not intensity. Pairing movement with good sleep, proper rest, and nutrient support helps the body use exercise as a tool for healing, rather than harm.

What the retreat emphasized instead was consistency over intensity: long walks in the fresh air, mobility work, strength training, and low-impact movement like swimming, yoga or pilates. It’s about moving daily, but gently enough to support the immune system.

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.