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Life Tips 02/07/2025 16:24

Young people at risk of k!dney failure: Discover what time late nights start to seriously damage your k!dneys.

Young people today often have a habit of living 'against their biological clock'. This is silently causing harm to kidney function - one of the most important organs for filtering blood, detoxifying, and regulating homeostasis in the body.
The kidneys are crucial organs that play a key role in filtering waste from the blood, but their function follows a specific rhythm in accordance with the body’s natural biological clock. According to Dr. Lê Nhất Duy from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, traditional medicine attributes the highest level of kidney activity to the period between 5 and 7 PM, which is linked to the "kidney hour" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This timeframe is thought to aid in the detoxification and restoration of kidney energy.
Modern science, however, tells us that while the kidneys work non-stop to filter blood 24/7, their capacity for cell regeneration and repair peaks during the night. This process is especially active between 11 PM and 3 AM when the body enters deeper stages of sleep.
This is why staying awake past 11 PM not only disrupts the body's natural repair process, but it can also interfere with hormonal regulation, blood pressure, and circadian rhythms. Over time, these disruptions can result in damage to the kidneys.
Research shows that people who regularly sleep past 11 PM or get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing kidney problems, including:

  • Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)

  • Increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression

  • Blood pressure and blood sugar imbalances, both major risk factors for kidney failure

Furthermore, a study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology revealed that individuals who sleep less than 6 hours per night experience a faster decline in kidney filtration function compared to those who get 7-8 hours of sleep.
Can kidney stones lead to cancer or kidney failure?
Dr. Nhất Duy also explains that kidney stones, while potentially leading to kidney failure or cancer, are not typically associated with these conditions unless left untreated. If kidney stones are not promptly addressed, they can lead to blockages in the urinary tract, chronic kidney infections, and kidney tissue damage, which can impair kidney function over time. In some cases, the chronic inflammation and irritation caused by kidney stones can increase the risk of renal cell carcinoma, although this risk remains relatively low and depends on other risk factors.
What tests should be done to detect kidney disease early?
To assess kidney function, Dr. Nhất Duy recommends the following tests:

  • Blood Tests: Measuring creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, which are then used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) — a crucial metric for diagnosing kidney failure.

  • Urine Tests: Analyzing for protein, red blood cells, and signs of glomerulonephritis or tubular damage.

  • Ultrasound of the Urinary System: Detects kidney stones, fluid retention, cysts, and structural abnormalities.

For individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking habits, or long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications, regular kidney check-ups every 6-12 months are essential for close monitoring.
Dr. Nhất Duy emphasizes that the kidneys are often called "silent organs" because kidney disease symptoms typically only appear in advanced stages. Therefore, preventive care is much more effective than waiting for symptoms to manifest, especially in a time when unhealthy lifestyle choices are becoming more common.
Some preventive tips from Dr. Nhất Duy to protect kidney health include:

  • Sleep before 11 PM and ensure you get 7-8 hours of rest each night.

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and do not wait until you’re thirsty to hydrate.

  • Avoid overusing painkillers, antibiotics, or unverified supplements, as these can contribute to acute kidney failure, particularly in younger individuals.

  • Engage in regular physical activity and reduce stress, as chronic tension can negatively impact the kidney-endocrine nervous system axis.

  • Schedule regular health check-ups, especially for high-risk groups such as shift workers, those with poor sleep habits, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity.

By following these simple steps, you can reduce the risk of kidney disease and maintain better overall health.

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