Study: Poor Sleep Hastens Progression of Kidney Disease

Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Wed 11/29/2017 - 09:00

Chronic kidney disease can be caused by several underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, among others. In a recent study, poor sleep joins the ranks of risk factors that can hasten the progression of kidney disease. In this blog post, New Jersey snoring and sleep apnea specialist Dr. Ivan Stein discusses how restful sleep can play a positive role in renal health.

Sleep Duration and Quality

In a recent study conducted at the University of Illinois, the sleep patterns of 431 patients with chronic kidney disease were monitored. Half of the participants had pre-existing diabetes, and 48 percent were female. Participants were given an accelerometer to wear on their wrist over the course of a week to monitor their movements and periods of sleep. This is what was learned:

• The average amount of sleep per night in patients with chronic kidney disease was only 6.5 hours (it is recommended that healthy adults sleep 7-9 hours per night).
• Participants spent an average of 21 percent of their time in bed in periods of wakefulness. This is also referred to as “sleep fragmentation.”
• Overall, sleep was deemed “seriously impaired” in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Five-Year Follow-up

The study included data received from a five-year follow-up of all living participants. Out of the initial 431 people, 70 wound up with kidney failure, and 48 died. The researchers at University of Illinois concluded that sleep fragmentation and a shorter amount of sleep per night are associated with a decline in kidney function. Since people suffering from kidney disease often also suffer from diabetes, obesity and hypertension, it is thought that many patients also experience underlying sleep apnea.

Targeting Sleep Apnea

Treating kidney disease takes a many-faceted approach, and differs from patient to patient depending on the causes and underlying conditions. However, targeting sleep apnea in relevant cases may improve the outcome for many people, by increasing quality of life and allowing the body to follow its natural circadian rhythms.

Sleep is a restorative process that affects our bodies in myriad ways. Frequent interruptions to your sleep can have long-term negative effects on your heath. To schedule a sleep consultation with Dr. Ivan Stein, email or call New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions at (855) 949-7667.