A proper bedtime routine and healthy habits can both improve your quality of life, and promote kidney health. Sleep deprivation alters your mood and has been linked to poorer kidney function. Here’s why a good night's sleep is essential:
During sleep, the body produces hormones such as vitamin D and erythropoietin. Failing to get adequate rest prevents the kidneys from making these hormones, causing them to work overtime. This leads to excess waste and increased urine production, preventing people from falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.
The specific hormone that alters kidney health is unknown. However, studies do show that when people with chronic kidney disease don’t get adequate rest, their kidney function declines more quickly than those who get quality sleep.
When sleeplessness becomes routine, the risks for some conditions increase, including:
By establishing some healthy habits, and talking to your doctor about your sleep issues, you can increase your quality of sleep and improve your kidney health.
If you struggle to get quality sleep, keep these tips in mind:
Give these a try but don’t hesitate to mention your concerns about sleep to your doctor.