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Published on: Jul 22, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

The Oxford Vaccine

Recently we wrote a blog on the success of an RNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Within just a few weeks of that incredible research breakthrough, researchers at Oxford University’s Jenner Institute have announced a COVID vaccine that has induced remarkable immune response against the virus.

This study was published in the Lancet, one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world, and a simple summary suggests the vaccine has no early safety concern and is able to induce a strong immune response with both T cells and B cell/antibodies.

THE VACCINE

ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, now known as AZD1222, was co-developed by the University of Oxford and one of its spin-off companies, Vaccitech. The vaccine uses a viral vector based on a common cold virus (adenovirus). This carries genetic material for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In our previous blog, we saw how the spike proteins are used by the virus to target and fuse with our target cells, allowing the virus to invade, replicate and ultimately cause the disease known as COVID. It is also a good target for the human immune system to recognize and attack.

The viral vector delivers the genetic material inside our cells. The spike protein is then produced by our cells, recognized by the immune system as a viral target, and an immune response is created against it. This can be antibodies, which recognize, attach to and mark the virus in our blood, allowing for other white blood cells to destroy the virus.

In this case, the vaccine also produced a T cell response. T cells can recognize cells infected by a virus-based on the markers present on the surface of infected cells. They can tell an infected cell to destroy itself, thereby destroying the virus within without spreading the infection. They also have other functions that we will not discuss in this blog.

THE STUDY

This study was a Phase I/II trial that started in April using the vaccine named ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. This vaccine development started in January 2020, and progress on development has been incredibly rapid. Whilst our previous study had just 45 people, this study looked reviewed over 1,000 healthy adults. 10 of these participants received two doses of the vaccine.

In a study the more participants there are, the greater the power of the study. If the vaccine has any side effects, even ones that rarely occur, it is more likely to be picked up in studies with more people. Similarly having more people helps show that the vaccine is effective, and the strong responses are not merely a fluke or accident. Another benefit of this study is it was able to compare the vaccine against a control group. This shows the results were not simply a placebo and allowed comparison of side effects as well.

The majority of side effects were feeling feverish, chills, muscle ache, headache, and malaise, all symptoms treatable with paracetamol. None of the participants had any serious side effects. It took just 14 days to create a T cell response, and 28 days to make strong antibodies. In 91% of patients, this was enough to neutralize the COVID coronavirus. Receiving two doses gave an even stronger antibody response, and all participants were able to stop the virus.

WHAT NEXT

The news from the University of Oxford is needed, as infection rate and mortality continue to increase in countries such as the US and Brazil. The ability to induce an antibody response without causing harm to the patient shows we have made huge progress in the fight against COVID-19. Further Large scale Phase III trials been set up through a global partnership, and include studies in the US with over 30,000 patients, studies in children as well as some in low to middle-income countries.

If successful a vaccine would be essential in preventing a second wave of COVID in the winter when the elderly population is most at risk. And it would be the key to restarting the economy and getting our everyday lives back to where it was pre-pandemic.

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Sleep and Performance: The Silent Driver of Workplace Success

In India’s fast-paced digital work culture, sleep has quietly become one of the most overlooked pillars of productivity. While caffeine, deadlines, and long screen hours dominate the modern office routine, quality sleep remains the true driver of performance, creativity, and emotional balance.

According to NITI Aayog’s 2024 Health & Productivity Report, sleep deprivation affects nearly 68% of Indian professionals, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and reduced focus - a direct hit to workplace performance.

The Science of Sleep and Productivity

Sleep isn’t just rest - it’s restoration.
During sleep, the brain processes memory, repairs cells, balances hormones, and regulates emotional control.
Without enough of it, cognitive efficiency drops by up to 40%, as shown in a Statista 2024 workplace wellness survey.

Employees who get adequate sleep display:

Better problem-solving abilities
Faster reaction times
Improved emotional regulation
Higher motivation and engagement

In contrast, chronic sleep deprivation leads to irritability, errors, poor concentration, and slower learning.

Sleep and Mental Health at Work

Work stress and poor sleep form a vicious cycle.
Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels - which interferes with the body’s ability to fall and stay asleep. In turn, lack of sleep increases anxiety and depression risk.

A FICCI-EY 2024 study found that professionals sleeping less than 6 hours a night reported 25% lower job satisfaction and 31% higher burnout than those sleeping 7–8 hours.

Sleep directly impacts mental health, which in turn affects workplace collaboration, leadership, and creativity.

SecondMedic’s Approach to Sleep Wellness

SecondMedic offers digital solutions that integrate teleconsultations, AI-based sleep tracking, and stress management programs - empowering individuals to build better rest habits.

Key components include:

Sleep Consultations: Online sessions with wellness experts to identify causes of poor sleep (stress, diet, or screen habits).
AI Sleep Tracker: Monitors sleep patterns and provides actionable recommendations.
Mindfulness Sessions: Guided relaxation and breathing techniques to improve sleep quality.
Hormonal & Fatigue Tests: Diagnostic packages to rule out medical causes like thyroid imbalance or sleep apnea.

SecondMedic’s holistic model blends technology and medical expertise to restore the most vital aspect of health - restorative sleep.

Corporate Wellness and Productivity

Forward-thinking organizations are now investing in corporate sleep wellness programs as part of their employee health initiatives.
A Deloitte India 2024 report shows that sleep-related wellness initiatives can increase productivity by 25% and reduce absenteeism.

SecondMedic partners with companies to provide:

Sleep and stress assessments
Online wellness consultations
Customized fatigue and burnout prevention workshops

The result? Healthier employees, fewer sick days, and a happier, more focused workforce.

How to Improve Sleep and Performance

Here are actionable steps professionals can take:

Set a Sleep Routine: Go to bed and wake up at consistent times.
Avoid Screens Before Bed: Blue light disrupts melatonin production.
Limit Caffeine & Alcohol: Both affect sleep quality if consumed late.
Exercise Regularly: Light evening walks promote better sleep.
Use Sleep Tools: Track your rest cycles with digital apps like SecondMedic’s AI sleep tracker.

Consistency, not duration alone, determines sleep quality.

The Link Between Sleep and Leadership

Leaders who prioritize rest make clearer decisions and foster more empathetic workplaces.
A rested mind is a resilient mind - capable of innovation, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution.

In contrast, chronic fatigue impairs judgment and emotional control, two critical traits for leadership success.

India’s Shift Toward Sleep-Aware Work Culture

As the wellness movement grows, Indian organizations are embracing sleep as a strategic asset.
Tech firms, healthcare companies, and startups are partnering with wellness platforms like SecondMedic to integrate sleep-focused employee programs.

This cultural shift reflects a global realization - productivity is not about working longer but resting smarter.

Conclusion

Sleep is not a passive activity - it’s the foundation of high performance.
By prioritizing rest, India’s professionals can unlock sharper focus, better mental health, and sustainable productivity.

With SecondMedic’s sleep and wellness programs, individuals and organizations alike can harness the true potential of healthy sleep - the silent, powerful driver of success.

Book your sleep health consultation today at www.secondmedic.com

References

NITI Aayog – Health & Productivity Report 2024
FICCI-EY – Corporate Wellness in India 2024
Statista – Sleep & Workplace Efficiency Study India 2024
Deloitte India – Employee Wellness Trends 2024
ABDM – Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (Sleep & Wellness) – https://abdm.gov.in

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