People with kidney disease sleep a lot due to overwhelming fatigue from toxin buildup (uremia), anemia (lack of red blood cells), inflammation, and metabolic imbalances, coupled with disrupted nighttime sleep from issues like restless legs, itching, sleep apnea, and anxiety, creating a cycle of tiredness and poor rest. Dialysis treatments themselves can also cause significant exhaustion.
A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired or weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
He or she may also recommend losing weight, if necessary, exercising more, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. You may be able to lower blood pressure by eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats, such as olive oil. Reducing stress may also help lower blood pressure.
Patients with CKD, especially those with end-stage kidney disease, must recognize sleep as a critical component of their overall health. From treating sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure to addressing restless leg syndrome and improving sleep hygiene, better rest can improve kidney outcomes.
Sleeping on Your Back: While sleeping on your back is not the best position for everyone, it is highly recommended for kidney patients. This position allows the body to maintain a natural alignment, placing less pressure on the kidneys.
Fatigue is among the most common and most distressing symptoms for patients with kidney disease (26), who may experience more fatigue than healthy people as early as CKD stages 2–3.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Possible symptoms of decreasing kidney function and why they occur later
Over-the-counter NSAIDS
They are not safe to use when you have kidney disease. Ibuprofen, such as Advil™ and Motrin™. Naproxen, such as Aleve™ and Naprosyn™. Aspirin for pain relief.
There is growing evidence that changes in sleep duration and time of sleep onset may have detrimental effects on renal function. Short sleep duration and shift work are associated with risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Choosing healthy foods and beverages—and avoiding foods high in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus—may prevent or delay some health problems from CKD. What you eat and drink may also affect how well your kidney disease treatments work.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) worsens over time. High blood pressure and diabetes are two common causes of CKD. There's no cure for CKD, but you can take steps to preserve function for as long as possible.
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This build up, combined with anemia, can result in shortness of breath. Anemia can make the body feel cold even when in a warm room. Anemia that is the result of kidney failure means that your brain is not getting enough oxygen, which can lead to memory problems, trouble with concentration, and dizziness.
Fatigue is a feeling of constant exhaustion, burnout or lack of energy. It can be physical, mental or a combination of both. Fatigue can affect anyone – most adults experience it at some time in their life. Each year, many Australians see their doctor about fatigue.
On the other hand, a well-balanced and kidney-friendly meal with healthy carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables and healthy grains) coupled with a good source of protein (fish, poultry, egg whites, lean meat, protein powder or a supplement) can help keep blood sugar on a more even keel and keep you mentally alert.
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To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, while also managing blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent damage.
In general, acetaminophen is safe for your kidneys at recommended doses. But check with your healthcare professional first to determine the cause of your pain and the best way to treat it.
Diagnosing Your CKD
Itching often happens on both sides of the body at the same time (for example, both arms or both legs). Itching is most common and severe in people with kidney failure,but those in the earlier stages of CKD may also notice milder itching.
Signs of Healthy Kidneys
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Soda is one of the worst drinks for kidney health. Regular soda is packed with sugar and caffeine. Dark sodas also contain phosphorus additives. These can be harmful to people with kidney problems because they can cause bone and heart issues.
To support kidney health, focus on fruits like berries, apples, and red grapes; vegetables such as cauliflower, red peppers, and leafy greens; lean proteins like fish (salmon) and egg whites; and healthy fats from olive oil, using herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor, as a varied diet rich in whole foods helps filter toxins and manage inflammation.