Sleep is a vital period for the body to recover and regulate many important biological activities, including kidney function. Even during rest, the kidneys continuously filter blood, eliminate waste, and balance water and electrolytes to maintain stable vital functions. Therefore, sleep quality is closely linked to kidney health.

According to Master, Doctor Nguyen Quang Huy, from the Department of Nephrology - Dialysis, Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, individuals who do not get enough sleep or frequently suffer from insomnia have a higher risk of declining kidney function compared to those who sleep for 7-8 hours each night. Prolonged sleep deprivation can increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and stress hormones like cortisol, leading to elevated blood pressure and increased pressure on the kidney's filtering system.

Doctor Huy advises on a healthy lifestyle for kidneys. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Prolonged insomnia is also linked to low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. These factors can damage blood vessels, affect circulation to the kidneys, and impair blood filtering function over time. Doctor Huy cites studies indicating that individuals who sleep too little are at risk of reduced glomerular filtration rate and increased albuminuria – early signs of kidney damage.

Beyond directly affecting kidney function, sleep deprivation also increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. These are common causes of chronic kidney disease. When blood pressure remains elevated for extended periods, the small blood vessels in the glomeruli can be damaged, gradually impairing the kidneys' ability to filter waste. Meanwhile, prolonged high blood sugar in individuals with diabetes can also damage the kidney's vascular system.

Not only sleep duration, but sleep quality also impacts kidney health. Individuals who frequently experience restless sleep, difficulty falling asleep, wake up multiple times during the night, or have shallow sleep may find their bodies are not fully recovering, leading to prolonged fatigue and metabolic disorders.

Doctor Huy recommends that adults get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, limit prolonged late nights, and establish a regular sleep schedule. Reducing electronic device use before bed, limiting evening caffeine intake, maintaining physical activity, and managing stress all contribute to improving sleep quality and protecting kidney health.

Individuals experiencing prolonged insomnia accompanied by hypertension, frequent nighttime urination, swollen legs, foamy urine, or persistent fatigue should seek medical examination to check kidney function and detect any abnormalities early.

Thu Giang