Waking Up All Night? Your Liver Could Be Sending You A Cry For Help

Are you experiencing frequent nighttime awakenings or struggling to get back to sleep? Your liver health might be to blame. According to a recent study, fragmented sleep patterns could be linked to fatty liver disease, suggesting that poor liver health may rob you of restful nights.

The liver, a football-shaped organ located in the upper right abdomen under the rib cage, is vital for bodily functions. It acts as the body’s built-in detoxifier, helps with digestion, filters the blood, and removes toxins. When the liver isn’t functioning optimally, it can lead to various health issues, including sleep disturbances.

Fatty Liver Disease, The Potential Culprit

sleep-and-fatty-liver

Fatty liver disease, now known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), occurs when fat accumulates in the liver. It is commonly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Currently, fatty liver disease affects an estimated 30% of adults.

Key Findings From The Study

Earlier studies hinted at a connection between fatty liver disease and sleep disruption, but these relied on self-reported sleep questionnaires. In this new study, published on December 3 in Frontiers in Network Physiology, researchers used wrist monitors to objectively track sleep patterns.

They found that people with fatty liver disease experienced:

More frequent awakenings during the night.
Longer periods lying awake before falling back asleep.
Difficulty initiating sleep.

This sleep fragmentation can significantly affect the health and quality of life for those with fatty liver disease, who may already be battling fatigue and other symptoms.

Causes Of Fatty Liver Disease

Several factors can contribute to liver disease, including

Genetics
Autoimmune diseases
Metabolic disorders
Bile duct blockages
Viral infections (like hepatitis)
Alcohol abuse
Obesity

How Does Liver Health Affect Sleep?

sleep-and-fatty-liver

The researchers have not concretely determined why this happens, but it has been established that our liver and sleep-wake cycle are closely connected. When liver function is impaired, it can interfere with the body’s ability to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, leading to broken sleep. Conversely, poor sleep can worsen liver health, creating a cycle of declining well-being.

The Role Of Sleep Hygiene

In the study, a single sleep hygiene education session did not show long-term improvements in sleep patterns for those with MASLD. Researchers recommend that ongoing sleep counselling sessions or light therapy, along with other lifestyle changes, may offer better results for improving sleep in patients with liver disease.

Symptoms Indicating Poor Liver Health

If you are frequently waking up at night, watch out for other signs that may indicate liver issues, such as:

Fatigue and weakness
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss
Dark urine or pale stool

Tips To Support Liver And Sleep Health

Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and eat a balanced diet low in processed foods.
Limit alcohol consumption as excessive drinking can severely damage your liver.
Practice good sleep hygiene by sticking to a consistent bedtime routine, reducing screen time before sleep, and creating a restful sleep environment.
Stay hydrated, as drinking plenty of water supports liver function.
If you experience ongoing sleep disturbances or suspect liver problems, seek medical advice promptly and consult a doctor.

Another Sign To Take Cognisance Of

Given the rising prevalence of fatty liver disease, researchers stress the importance of ongoing interventions to address sleep issues in affected patients. Combining lifestyle changes, regular medical check-ups, and targeted therapies could help break the cycle of poor liver health and disrupted sleep. Remember the prompt response advice, see a doctor before things potentially worsen.

Waking Up All Night? Your Liver Could Be Sending You A Cry For Help