More Than Just a Sleep Disorder

When most people think about sleep apnoea, they think about snoring and tiredness. However, sleep apnoea can affect many parts of the body, including the kidneys.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects millions of people worldwide and is more common in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. These same conditions are also strongly associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

How Are the Kidneys Affected?

During episodes of sleep apnoea:

• Oxygen levels drop
• Blood pressure rises
• Stress hormones increase
• Inflammation develops throughout the body

Over time, these changes may place additional strain on the kidneys and contribute to worsening kidney function.

A Common Combination

Many people living with CKD also experience:

• Excessive daytime fatigue
• Poor sleep quality
• Restless sleep
• Sleep apnoea

Unfortunately, sleep issues are often overlooked during routine kidney care.

Why Screening Matters

Identifying and treating sleep disorders may help:

• Improve quality of life
• Reduce daytime fatigue
• Support cardiovascular health
• Improve overall wellbeing

Sleep should be considered an important part of managing chronic disease, including kidney disease.

Key Message

Looking after your kidneys starts with looking after your overall health, and sleep is an important piece of the puzzle.