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Copywriting丨Health science popularization base camp
Editor丨Health Science Base Camp
While most people are immersed in sweet dreams, some people quietly reveal the warning signs of their bodies in their sleep. The human liver, known as the "silent organ", suffers damage in silence without us even noticing. It also has its own way of sending us distress signals.
Especially during sleep, abnormalities in the liver may manifest themselves in subtle yet obvious ways. In this article, we will reveal 6 possible signs of liver problems during sleep, which may be unexpected but are closely related to our daily lives.
Sleep is the golden time for the body to repair and regenerate, and the liver is no exception. At this time, the liver will step up important work such as detoxification and metabolism. If there is a problem with the liver, these jobs may be affected, which in turn manifests itself during sleep.
Here are 6 sleep signs to watch out for:
1. Frequent waking up in the middle of the night
Many people may think that waking up in the middle of the night is just a bad sleep quality, but they don't know that it may be the liver sending us a distress signal. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that the function of the body's organs is closely related to the time of day.
The hepatic meridian is at its peak between 1 and 3 a.m. If there is a problem with the function of the liver, you may feel unwell and wake up during this time period.
The scientific explanation for this phenomenon is that the liver strengthens detoxification and metabolic functions during the night. If the liver is overburdened or impaired, it can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, which in turn can affect sleep.
Liver problems can also cause toxins to accumulate in the body, irritate the nervous system, and cause sleep disruption.
2. Nightmares or confusion in dreams
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the liver is the main reservoir of blood, and when the liver blood is sufficient, it can nourish the mind and make people sleep peacefully. On the contrary, if the liver blood is insufficient or the liver qi is stagnant, it may affect the person's mental state, leading to a decrease in sleep quality, and even nightmares or chaotic dreams.
From a modern medical perspective, liver problems can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, affecting brain function. These toxins may interfere with the balance of neurotransmitters, affecting the sleep cycle and the process of dreaming.
Liver disease can also cause elevated blood ammonia levels, which can also negatively affect brain function and increase the likelihood of nightmares.
3. Abnormal sweating during sleep
Night sweats are one of the common symptoms in many people with liver disease. Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that if the liver qi is stagnant, it may cause the dampness and heat in the body to be difficult to discharge, so that it is discharged from the body in the form of sweat at night.
Modern medical research has found that abnormal liver function may affect the hormone balance in the body, especially the metabolism of thyroid hormones and sex hormones.
An imbalance of these hormones can lead to a disorder in thermoregulation, causing increased sweating at night. Some liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, may also cause metabolic disorders in the patient's body, resulting in abnormal sweating at night.
4. Sleep longer but still feel tired
The liver is an important metabolic organ in the human body and is responsible for the storage and release of energy. When liver function is impaired, energy metabolism may be affected, resulting in fatigue and fatigue. Even if you sleep for a long time, you still feel exhausted when you wake up.
The reason for this phenomenon may be that the liver is unable to efficiently convert glycogen into glucose, resulting in a lack of energy supply in the body. Decreased liver detoxification can also lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, which can worsen fatigue.
Certain liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis B and fatty liver disease, may cause persistent fatigue.
5. Dyspnea or worsening snoring during sleep
Many people may not know that breathing problems during sleep can also be related to liver health. Especially for those who don't normally snore, suddenly start snoring, or have significantly worsened snoring, this can be a warning sign.
Liver problems, especially severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis, can lead to a buildup of ascites. Ascites can increase pressure in the abdominal cavity, push against the diaphragm, and affect lung expansion, which can make it difficult to breathe or worsen snoring.
Some liver diseases can also cause elevated blood ammonia levels, which can affect the central nervous system's ability to regulate breathing, further worsening sleep-breathing problems.
6. Changes in sleep position
Some people may find that as liver problems develop, their habitual sleeping position also begins to change. For example, a person who is used to lying on their back may begin to move towards a right-sided lying position.
This change may be a self-protection mechanism for the body. The right decubitus position can reduce the pressure on the liver and improve blood circulation in the liver.
For some people with enlarged hepats or liver discomfort, the right decubitus position may make them feel more comfortable. This change in sleeping position can also be a sign of worsening liver problems and should not be ignored.
It's important to note that all of these sleep manifestations don't necessarily mean that there is a serious liver problem. Some symptoms may be caused by other factors, such as stress, eating habits, lifestyle, etc. If these symptoms persist or worsen gradually, they should be taken seriously and promptly examined.
Prevention is better than cure, and the key to protecting liver health lies in the accumulation of small drops in daily life. Maintain a good routine and avoid staying up late; Eat a sensible diet and control the intake of greasy foods and alcohol;
Exercise moderately to maintain good health; Regular check-ups to detect potential problems early. These seemingly simple measures are an effective way to take care of your liver health.
There is also a lot of wisdom in TCM health theory to protect the liver. For example, in the morning, massage the Taichong acupoint (the original acupoint of the Yin and Liver meridians of the foot, located in the depression in front of the junction of the first and second metatarsals on the dorsum of the foot), which can relieve the liver and regulate qi; Eating some liver-protecting ingredients such as wolfberry, chrysanthemum, hawthorn, etc., also helps to nourish the liver and protect the liver.
It is worth mentioning that many habits in modern life can unknowingly harm the liver. For example, long-term use of certain medications such as antipyretics, antibiotics, etc., may increase the burden on the liver;
Long-term exposure to certain chemicals such as paints, detergents, etc., can also cause liver damage. In our daily lives, we also need to be vigilant against these potential risk factors.
Liver health is closely related to overall health. A healthy liver not only allows us to enjoy a good night's sleep, but also provides us with abundant energy for our daily life.
Paying attention to these subtle changes in sleep may be a wake-up call for our health. But at the same time, we don't have to be overly nervous, and in many cases, as long as we make timely lifestyle adjustments, we can effectively improve these symptoms.
It is important to emphasize that while this article lists some sleep manifestations that may be associated with liver problems, it is not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis. If the reader finds that he or she has the above symptoms and does not improve for a period of time, the best option is to seek medical attention in time for a full examination.
Only in this way can you truly understand your health and take appropriate measures to protect your liver health.
Health is life's most valuable asset, and liver health is an important cornerstone of overall health. Let's pay attention to our body signals, cherish every good night, and enjoy a healthy and quality sleep. After all, only with a healthy body can we better pursue our dreams and realize the value of life.
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.
Resources:
Zhao Qingying, Department of Hepatology, Changping District Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing How to protect your liver health?