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In the most frequent wave of lifestyle-related ailments, fatty liver is topping the charts. Also known as hepatic steatosis, this disease targets the largest internal organ in the human body: the Liver. While fatty liver is known to be caused due to alcohol excessive alcohol intake, in the current scenario, it is rapidly increasing without alcohol too.
The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is rooted in the sedentary lifestyle and other factors like obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and high blood fat levels. But with increasing online chatter around “night-time symptoms,” many are left wondering: can your liver send you distress signals while you sleep?
Today, Dr Ashish Mishra, Senior Consultant, Liver Transplant & HPB Surgery, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, sheds light on the symptoms not to ignore of fatty liver, often seen at night.
Signs of Fatty Liver to Watch For at Night
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According to the National Library of Medicine study, signs of fatty liver in early stages are often asymptomatic in people with NAFLD. However, with time, NAFLD patients can present with common symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort before a diagnosis is made. However, the liver silently accumulates the fat around it until problems like lethargy and overall weakness make its entrance throughout the day.
“Early fatty liver usually had no symptoms. In advanced cases, people with fatty liver may experience general fatigue and weakness, but not necessarily at night,” explained Dr Mishra.
Dr Mishra's Take:
"If you feel sluggish in the evening, it is not a sure sign of fatty liver. However, if you face persistent fatigue, whether during the day or night, that can be a sign of liver damage."
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Does Fatty Liver Cause Insomnia or Disrupt Sleep?
Peaceful sleep is a must-have for an overall well-functioning body. However, discomfort like nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache can disrupt sleep. Moreover, according to the Global Liver Institute study, Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease does contribute to causing insomnia and sleep disturbances. Also, it can contribute to exacerbating the occurrences of poor sleep patterns and a broken REM cycle.
According to Dr Mishra, “Fatigue is common in both Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), but restlessness during the night or insomnia is only seen in more advanced cases of NAFLD.”
Nigh-time Bloating, Acidity, or Upper Abdominal Pain: A Red Flag for Fatty Liver Disease?
When talking about upper abdominal pain or discomfort along with bloating and acidity, sometimes, it doesn’t necessarily add up to fatty liver disease. But, if these symptoms are persistent with abdominal pain intensifying at night and acidity becoming an everyday problem, it definitely is something to be alarmed about.
5 Symptoms of Fatty Liver to Keep a Check on, As Per Dr Mishra
Chronic Fatigue: If suffering from continuous tiredness, even after a full night's sleep, then it might be a sign of fatty liver. This can be a clear indication that your liver isn’t able to filter out the toxins.
Abdominal Pain: Pain the the upper abdomen is often the first sign of fatty liver or generally that an inflammation in the liver might have occurred. If you feel recurring pain in the area, even dull, consult your doctor immediately.
Lack of Appetite: When suffering from fatty liver, the liver often goes into overdrive, unable to process the toxins out of the body. This condition makes people feel nauseated and avoid food
Elevated Liver Enzymes: It is important to hold regular blood checkups to know your body well. However, if the tests show an elevated number of liver enzymes, it is a clear indication that your liver needs care immediately.
Swelling: In Legs or Stomach: Fluid retention, causing swelling, aka edema, is a clear indication that the liver isn’t functioning to its full capacity. If suffering from this, it is advisable to get your liver and kidneys checked.
ALSO READ: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/everything-about-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-1661448788
Dark Urine and Yellow Eyes: A Clear Indication of Liver Distress
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Dark urine and yellow eyes can be due to jaundice, but it also showcases that the liver isn’t filtering the toxins as it should. While different urine colors of the urine can be due to a myriad of reasons, fatty liver is indicated when urine is brown or dark yellow.
“Dark urine and yellowing of the eyes are advanced symptoms seen in cirrhosis and not fatty liver. Weight gain is a cause of fatty liver, not a symptom of it. Moreover, night sweats may be linked to hormonal or infectious causes, but are not typical for fatty liver disease,” said Dr Mishra.
When to Consult the Doctor?
Many people wait for the symptoms to become more obvious or persistent before seeking healthcare. However, it is important to take care of internal organs with utmost care, especially since liver disease doesn’t always give early warning signs. Proactive screening can detect fatty liver in early stages, when it’s still reversible.
“Night-time has nothing to do with symptoms. But if you’re overweight, diabetic, or consume alcohol, you should get your liver screened annually,” advises the doctor.
ALSO READ: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/signs-of-a-healthy-liver-1686563513
Practices to Protect the Liver At Home
- Follow a balanced and clean diet.
- Avoid Alcohol
- Incorporate regular physical activity
- Losing excess weight gradually (for obese people)
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for Night to Tell You the Signs
Fatty liver is often silent and resilient. It is important to take care of your liver and keep an eye out for symptoms like restless sleep or upper abdominal discomfort. Early intervention through annual check-ups, lifestyle tweaks, and medical support can help reverse fatty liver before it does real damage.