“As a nephrologist, I often see patients who come in for treatment when it’s too late, after their kidneys have suffered severe damage. The truth is, kidney disease often progresses silently. However, there are early warning signs, especially at night. Ignoring these signals can cost us the chance for timely intervention,” shares Dr. Ratan Jha, Medical Director at Care Hospital, Hyderabad (India).
According to Only My Health, below are common nighttime symptoms that may indicate kidney issues:
1. Frequent Nighttime Urination
Waking up at night to urinate is common. However, if you’re waking up multiple times every night, it’s time to pay attention.
“Kidneys are designed to filter and concentrate urine during the day, allowing you to sleep soundly at night. When kidney function declines, fluid retention worsens, leading to frequent nighttime urination,” explains Dr. Jha. This condition is often mistaken for overactive bladder or diabetes.
2. Swollen Legs and Puffy Eyes
If you wake up with heavy legs or noticeable puffy eyes, don’t blame it on a salty lunch.
When kidneys are damaged, they fail to eliminate excess fluid and sodium from the body. This fluid accumulates in the legs during the day and shifts to the face while sleeping, causing swollen eyelids and ankles by morning.
These signs don’t necessarily mean kidney disease, but they should never be ignored. At the very least, schedule regular check-ups with your doctor, including urine tests and blood work to assess kidney function.
Dr. Jha concludes: “If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t panic—but do act. Early kidney protection includes staying hydrated (but not overhydrated), limiting salt and sugar, managing blood pressure and sugar levels, avoiding excessive painkillers, and listening to your body at night—as the quietest hours may reveal the most.”
3. Restless Legs or Nighttime Itching
“Kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance minerals,” notes Dr. Jha. When they fail, toxins build up, causing dry, itchy skin or a crawling sensation in the legs, often worse at night.
Restless leg syndrome is linked to advanced kidney disease. These seemingly unrelated symptoms may stem from the same systemic issue.
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