Sleep is a time for the body to recover and regenerate energy. At night, many physiological functions change, so some health issues can become more apparent, especially those related to the nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems. If unusual sleep symptoms persist, individuals should not be complacent and should seek early medical check-ups.

Signs of liver disease

Severe itching at night

Persistent itching, particularly worsening at night, can indicate liver disease or bile duct disorders. When the liver does not process bile salts effectively, these substances accumulate in the body, irritating nerves under the skin and causing widespread itching. This symptom is common in people with cirrhosis or cholestatic disease. Unlike common itching, liver-related itching is often chronic and affects sleep.

Leg cramps during sleep

Individuals with chronic liver disease are often prone to muscle stiffness or cramps at night. This condition relates to electrolyte imbalance and changes in muscle metabolism as liver function declines. Although not specific, the frequent appearance of this symptom can indicate that the body is out of balance.

Prolonged insomnia

The liver plays a crucial role in toxin metabolism. When liver function declines, toxins can affect the brain and disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. People with cirrhosis often experience difficulty falling asleep, shallow sleep, or daytime sleepiness coupled with restlessness at night.

Signs of kidney disease

Frequent nighttime urination

Waking up to urinate more than one time each night is a common early sign of kidney disease. Normally, the kidneys concentrate urine at night to allow for uninterrupted sleep. When kidney function declines, this ability is impaired, causing frequent urination. Persistent nocturia also links to a risk of chronic kidney disease progression.

Restless legs syndrome

People with kidney disease face a higher risk of developing restless legs syndrome—an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that prompts a continuous urge to move them while resting. This condition is thought to relate to toxin accumulation and iron metabolism disorder in the body, leading to disrupted sleep and daytime fatigue.

Leg swelling worsens in the evening

When the kidneys fail to remove excess fluid effectively, water can accumulate in the legs, ankles, or feet. A feeling of heavy legs, or swelling that is more noticeable in the evening or during sleep, can relate to impaired kidney function. In some cases, this also signals a combination of heart and kidney disease.

Experts recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms recur continuously, especially when accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, swelling, or shortness of breath. Early detection helps manage the disease effectively and reduces the risk of serious complications.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in protecting the liver and kidneys, while also reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

To protect the liver, limit alcohol and fatty foods, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Avoid self-medicating or taking supplements for prolonged periods, and increase intake of green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to support liver function.

For kidney health, it is essential to drink enough water, reduce salt and processed foods, and avoid abusing pain relievers. Effective control of blood pressure and blood sugar, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and regular health check-ups help detect kidney abnormalities early.

Bao Bao (According to Times of India)