The Chronic Kidney Disease Solution™ By Shelly Manning It is an eBook that includes the most popular methods to care and manage kidney diseases by following the information provided in it. This easily readable eBook covers up various important topics like what is chronic kidney disease, how it is caused, how it can be diagnosed, tissue damages caused by chronic inflammation, how your condition is affected by gut biome, choices for powerful lifestyle and chronic kidney disease with natural tools etc.
CKD and sleep medications
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can affect sleep quality, leading to insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or sleep apnea, and these sleep disturbances can worsen CKD symptoms and impact overall health. Sleep medications may be prescribed in some cases, but certain types need caution due to potential kidney impacts. Here’s a breakdown of considerations for using sleep medications if you have CKD:
1. Types of Sleep Medications and CKD Considerations
- Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone): These are generally used for short-term treatment of insomnia and are usually safe in moderate doses. However, in CKD patients, lower doses may be recommended to reduce the risk of adverse effects since the kidneys play a role in eliminating these drugs.
- Melatonin and Melatonin Receptor Agonists (e.g., ramelteon): Melatonin supplements may be helpful for sleep initiation, especially since CKD patients often have disrupted circadian rhythms. Ramelteon is also a safer option as it doesn’t require kidney adjustment.
- Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, doxylamine): These over-the-counter sleep aids are often avoided in CKD due to their anticholinergic effects, which can cause cognitive side effects, and their prolonged duration in CKD patients can lead to grogginess and confusion, especially in older adults.
- Sedating Antidepressants (e.g., trazodone, mirtazapine): These can be used cautiously in CKD. Trazodone is sometimes preferred for sleep since it doesn’t accumulate in the kidneys, but lower doses may be recommended.
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, temazepam): Benzodiazepines are generally avoided in CKD due to their sedative and muscle-relaxant effects, which can exacerbate CKD symptoms and increase fall risk, especially in the elderly.
2. Non-Pharmacologic Options for Better Sleep in CKD
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This is a highly effective, non-drug approach to managing sleep issues, often the first-line treatment for insomnia.
- Exercise and Diet: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet may improve sleep quality.
- Sleep Hygiene: This includes keeping a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine and screens before bed.
3. Other Sleep Disorders Related to CKD
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Often seen in CKD, RLS can be treated with medications like gabapentin, which require dose adjustments in CKD but can be helpful.
- Sleep Apnea: Common in CKD, sleep apnea is best treated with CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy rather than medication.
If you’re considering sleep medications and have CKD, discuss your options with your nephrologist or healthcare provider to find the safest and most effective treatment.
The Chronic Kidney Disease Solution™ By Shelly Manning It is an eBook that includes the most popular methods to care and manage kidney diseases by following the information provided in it. This easily readable eBook covers up various important topics like what is chronic kidney disease, how it is caused, how it can be diagnosed, tissue damages caused by chronic inflammation, how your condition is affected by gut biome, choices for powerful lifestyle and chronic kidney disease with natural tools etc.