Three Bedtime Habits That May Damage Your Kidneys
A 40-year-old Taiwanese man developed severe kidney failure despite healthy daytime habits, with doctors identifying late-night overwork, irregular meals, and painkiller use as the primary causes of his kidney damage.
Many people believe that drinking about two liters of water daily is enough to keep the urinary system healthy, but kidney damage often progresses silently, gradually destroying the organ's ability to filter blood with minimal early warning signs. The case of a 40-year-old Taiwanese factory worker serves as an important cautionary tale about underestimating kidney health. Dr. Liu Yianzhu from Taiwan reported that the man came in complaining of chronic fatigue, and testing revealed severe kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy, with blood creatinine levels at 2.2 mg/dL compared to the normal range below 1.2 mg/dL. Despite his rigorous work ethic, regular morning exercise, and constant water intake, the man struggled to accept the diagnosis until his family pointed out that his nighttime habits—late-night overwork, irregular meals, and frequent self-medication with painkillers and supplements—were likely the culprits.
Dr. Liu explains that this case is not unique but common in modern society. While people understand that drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol helps prevent kidney disease, many overlook harmful bedtime behaviors that can overburden the kidneys. Nighttime is when the body should rest and recover, but certain habits performed before sleep can damage kidney function.
Dr. Liu recommends avoiding or changing three key behaviors:
1. Holding urine before bed: Many people delay urination during the night to avoid disrupting sleep or walking to the bathroom. Holding urine for extended periods can cause the bladder to expand and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Bacteria such as E. coli can multiply and spread upward through the urinary tract, potentially leading to kidney and renal pelvis infections. Dr. Liu shared that she herself once needed antibiotics for two months due to the habit of holding urine during work.
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Nephrologist Dr. Hong Yongxiang notes that nighttime is when organs should rest and recover, and overworking the kidneys or exposing them to substances that must be eliminated near bedtime can harm kidney function.
