Kidney failure may cause a person to feel very tired when awake but also to have difficulty sleeping.
It occurs when a person’s kidney function is below
A 2023 review states that sleep disorders are common in people with chronic kidney disease, particularly in the most advanced stages. The review authors suggest this can significantly affect quality of life.
They highlight the following four major sleep disorders in people with chronic kidney disease:
People may not initially notice symptoms if they have chronic kidney disease. However, symptoms may occur when kidney function drops to below 20%. Other symptoms may include:
- fatigue and drowsiness
- nausea and vomiting
- high blood pressure
- loss of appetite
- itchiness
- swelling of the legs and feet
- confusion
People who sleep all the time — both at night and during the day — may have hypersomnia. This is different from simply feeling tired all the time.
Most adults need between
Various underlying conditions can lead to chronic fatigue and hypersomnia. Some things that may cause hypersomnia include:
- narcolepsy
- restless legs syndrome
- sleep apnea
- depression
- bipolar disorder
- chronic fatigue syndrome
People need to speak with a healthcare professional if they are sleeping all the time or if they feel chronically tired but have difficulty sleeping. A doctor can diagnose the underlying cause.
Treating or managing the underlying cause may help a person feel less tired.
Additionally, people may also be able to improve their sleep habits by:
- setting a sleep routine — going to sleep and waking up at the same times every day
- keeping the bedroom quiet, dark, and at a cool temperature
- avoiding large meals before sleeping
- avoiding alcohol before sleeping
- turning off electronic devices 30 minutes before sleeping
- exercising regularly
- eating a balanced diet
- avoiding or limiting caffeine in the afternoon and evening
If the above steps do not help someone sleep better, they may need to contact a doctor for further help.