Mild swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands in the evening or after lying down may be a sign of kidney problems. Weak kidneys reduce the ability to excrete sodium and water, causing fluid retention in the body. According to a study in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, peripheral edema is a common symptom in patients with chronic kidney disease.
3. Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances
Kidney damage can also have effects on sleep quality.
Insomnia caused by kidney weakness is considered secondary insomnia. Patients often wake up multiple times during the night, sometimes accompanied by nighttime urination or restless legs. Research which was published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that kidney dysfunction can disrupt hormonal balance and increase toxin levels in the blood, leading to difficulty sleeping. Additionally, kidney disease is linked to restless leg syndrome, which keeps patients tossing and turning at night.
