There is a saying in folk belief that “waking up in the middle of the night is a sign of poor liver health.” Although this is not absolute, the liver, as a key detoxification organ in the human body, is indeed closely related to our sleep quality. Let’s explore the potential effects and manifestations of liver issues together.
Frequent waking up in the middle of the night cannot be directly attributed to liver problems, as sleep disturbances may also stem from various factors such as stress, environmental factors, or lifestyle habits. However, liver damage can indirectly interfere with sleep. A decline in liver function weakens its detoxification ability, leading to the accumulation of toxins in the body, affecting the nervous system, and ultimately reducing sleep quality. Some liver disease patients may experience nighttime right upper abdominal discomfort and restlessness, which can also impact sleep, although these symptoms are not exclusive to liver issues.
Other common signs of poor liver health include: – Skin changes such as yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or the appearance of spider angiomas, as well as aggravated nighttime skin itching. – Digestive system problems manifesting as decreased appetite, post-meal bloating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which may worsen at night and disrupt sleep. – Night sweats and hot flashes, possibly due to impaired liver detoxification and temperature regulation functions. – Persistent fatigue that is difficult to alleviate even with sufficient rest, affecting deep sleep. – Sudden weight changes, whether weight loss or gain, may be related to liver health. – Appearance of jaundice, indicating more serious liver disease that requires prompt medical intervention.
To maintain liver health, it is recommended to take the following measures: – Maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of greasy, salty, and sweet foods, and increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and moderate protein. – Lead a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, preferably going to bed before 11 p.m. to facilitate liver self-repair. – Increase physical activity such as swimming, brisk walking, and other aerobic exercises, consistently several times a week for about half an hour each time. – Quit smoking and alcohol consumption to avoid damage to the liver from alcohol and tobacco. – Undergo regular medical check-ups, particularly for individuals with a family history of liver disease, pay attention to liver function indicators for early detection and treatment.
If you often wake up in the middle of the night or experience the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to start by adjusting your lifestyle habits and consult a healthcare professional if necessary to provide the necessary care for your liver and make quality sleep no longer an elusive dream.
