05/28/2018
DID YOU KNOW:
Sleep disorders make it difficult for our bodies to maintain the functional balance known as homeostasis. When we lose sleep, our various biological systems are affected in adverse ways. As a result, the health of many of our organs including our kidneys is at risk.
The kidneys, two bean shaped organs located just below the rib cage, extract waste from the blood, balance body fluids, form urine, and aid in other important functions in the body.
The kidneys' ability to metabolize certain medications and nutrients changes between day and night due to shifts in our circadian rhythm. Because kidney function is regulated by the sleep/wake cycle, the kidneys can suffer severe consequences from sleep loss and likewise kidney dysfunction can negatively affect sleep patterns.
The most common form of kidney dysfunction associated with sleep apnea is Secondary Nocturnal Enuresis (SNE) casually known as bedwetting. SNE occurs in adults who usually control bladder function during the day, but lose that control at night when they sleep. While SNE is caused by a host of underlying problems, two of the highest on the list are snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea can stop breathing hundreds of times during their sleep leaving the brain and the rest of the body without enough oxygen. When your body doesn't get enough oxygen, it can lead to brain and internal organ damage. And in the case of the kidneys, it can lead to kidney disease and/or dysfunction.