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| - Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that interrupted sleep indicates unhealthy liver. We did the fact check and found out it’s False.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, if you wake up from your sleep in the middle of the night, it means you have an unhealthy liver. It further says that you can also get cancer in the future. The video claims that waking up from sleep during the night is very harmful to health.
Fact Check
Is interrupted sleep linked to poor liver health?
Not really. Sleep disturbances can be linked to various health issues, but there is no direct evidence to support the claim that interrupted sleep indicates unhealthy liver. The liver is vital for many functions in the body, including detoxification, metabolism, and production of essential proteins. However, liver health cannot be judged solely by sleep patterns.
Moreover, the video also says blood travels to the liver during the night to get detoxified. But this is not true. The liver continuously filters blood and detoxifies harmful substances throughout the day and night. Certain processes in the body, such as cell repair and detoxification, may be more active during sleep, but the liver functions around the clock. This helps to process nutrients, filter toxins, and maintain overall balance in the body.
We checked with Dr Sharad Malhotra, Senior Consultant & HOD Gastroenterology Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, for his expert views on the association between interrupted sleep and liver health. He says, “Interrupted sleep can sometimes signal liver issues, especially in more advanced cases like cirrhosis, where discomfort, hormone imbalances, or even a shift in the sleep cycle—like daytime sleepiness—may interfere with rest. Itching and abdominal pain can also disrupt sleep in advanced liver disease. However, in a routine person, waking up at night does not indicate liver disease. It’s important to remember that many other factors contribute to disrupted sleep—things like stress, anxiety, or even poor sleep habits. So, waking up during the night doesn’t necessarily point to liver problems on its own. To get a clear picture, we need to consider a person’s overall lifestyle, diet, mental health, and other medical conditions. Only with that complete understanding can we arrive at the right diagnosis and treatment.”
What causes interrupted sleep?
Several factors can cause interrupted sleep, including:
- Stress and anxiety: Mental health issues can lead to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, or chronic pain can disrupt sleep.
- Lifestyle choices: Poor sleep hygiene, such as irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time, or consuming caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, can impact sleep quality.
- Environmental factors: Noise, light, and temperature can also interrupt sleep.
These factors are more relevant to understanding sleep disruptions than liver health. It’s important to consider the whole picture rather than jumping to conclusions based on a single symptom. It is very important to consult a healthcare provider for sleep disturbances instead of relying on medical advice online. We have seen posts claiming that walking barefoot on grass can help you fall asleep faster, but this may not work for everyone.
Can liver health affect sleep?
While interrupted sleep is not a direct indicator of liver health, it is true that liver problems can affect sleep quality. Conditions like chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis can lead to sleep disturbances due to discomfort or hormonal imbalances. However, the reverse is not true; a healthy liver cannot be inferred from one’s sleep patterns.
A 2022 study found that hepatitis B and C do not directly affect sleep quality. Sleep problems in those with chronic viral hepatitis may be due to liver damage or related health issues, not the virus itself.
We got in touch with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her perspective on liver health and sleep. She says, “Liver health can influence sleep patterns, but not in the way the claim suggests. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or waking up at night, can be linked to conditions like liver disease. For example, individuals with advanced liver conditions like cirrhosis may experience insomnia or altered sleep-wake cycles due to metabolic changes, liver inflammation, or hepatic encephalopathy. However, there’s no clear evidence that waking up during the night directly indicates an unhealthy liver in the general population. Many factors—such as stress, diet, sleep apnoea, or mental health issues—can contribute to sleep problems.”
Does interrupted sleep increase the risk of developing cancer in the future?
Not exactly. Interrupted sleep alone does not mean you will get cancer in the future. However, scientific evidence suggests that chronic sleep disruption, particularly from conditions like sleep apnoea or ongoing poor sleep quality, may increase the risk of certain health problems, including cancer. Researchers think hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and weakened immune function over time relate to this. However, occasional interrupted sleep is normal and does not directly cause cancer. It’s the long-term, repeated sleep disturbances that may pose risks. We have seen internet remedies suggesting applying a bindi on the forehead to cure insomnia, but this claim also lacks scientific evidence.
Dr Fatma adds, “The claim that these interruptions can directly lead to severe health outcomes like cancer is not supported by strong scientific evidence. Maintaining liver health is important, but attributing night awakenings solely to liver issues or even cancer without proper evaluation is misleading. Anyone facing persistent sleep problems should consult a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment.”
Are there health risks associated with interrupted sleep?
Yes, disrupted sleep can pose health risks. Chronic sleep problems can lead to:
- Cognitive issues: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and impaired decision-making.
- Emotional disturbances: Increased risk of anxiety and depression.
- Physical health risks: Higher chances of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and weakened immune function.
While these risks are significant, they do not specifically indicate liver disease or cancer.
Should one be concerned about interrupted sleep?
Certainly, if interrupted sleep remains a persistent concern, seeking medical advice is advisable. Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of sleep disruptions can greatly enhance overall health. While some individuals suggest that pressing on the wrist can promote faster sleep, it’s important to approach these claims thoughtfully. Consulting a healthcare professional can help identify potential underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatments.
THIP Media Take
The claim that interrupted sleep indicates an unhealthy liver is misleading. There is a complex relationship between liver health and sleep, but disrupted sleep alone does not serve as a reliable indicator of liver function. It is essential to consider various factors affecting sleep and consult professionals when experiencing persistent sleep issues.
Focusing on overall lifestyle, mental well-being, and medical conditions can contribute to both better sleep and improved liver health.
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