Anemia and other risk factors are common causes of fatigue in chronic kidney disease. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits and taking steps to meet your nutritional needs are some tips that can help.
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you might tire easily while doing housework or find yourself feeling sleepy during the day. This overly tired feeling may begin to affect your work, personal life, and general well-being.
Fatigue is a common symptom in people with CKD.
There are several causes, including chronic inflammation and other health conditions, such as anemia. Fatigue can also be a side effect of certain medications used to treat CKD.
Following your treatment plans for CKD and any other health conditions you may have is important for managing fatigue and related symptoms.
Read on to learn more about strategies for managing fatigue in CKD.
People with CKD often report feeling very tired or having a lack of energy that lasts a long time. This feeling often doesn’t go away, even when they get enough rest.
According to earlier studies cited in a 2021 research review,
Your kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin, which tells your body to make more red blood cells. When you have CKD, you may have low levels of erythropoietin, which can cause low levels of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Anemia is one of the potential causes of fatigue in CKD.
Other factors may also contribute to fatigue in CKD, including:
- changes in circulation, metabolism, and blood chemistry
- loss of muscle mass and strength
- chronic inflammation
- nutrient deficiencies
- treatment side effects
Additionally, people with CKD have an increased risk of some other health conditions that can contribute to fatigue.
Regular checkups with your doctor are important for monitoring and managing CKD. Your treatment may change as your condition changes or new treatments become available.
People with CKD have an increased risk of some other health conditions, including:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- depression
- anxiety disorders
These health conditions may contribute to fatigue.
You can talk with your doctor to learn how to manage your risk of developing health conditions related to CKD. They may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, or other strategies.
Let your doctor know if you notice changes in your energy levels or your health. They can help you find out whether the changes are caused by CKD or another condition that may need treatment.
Also let your doctor know if you think you’re experiencing side effects from treatment.
Some medications or other treatments may cause fatigue as a side effect.
Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress may help support your health and limit fatigue.
Taking steps to conserve or budget your energy may also help you manage fatigue.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for feeling energized and focused.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises adults to get at least
Let your doctor know if you’re finding it hard to sleep or if you feel tired even after getting the recommended amount of sleep.
They may order tests or refer you to a sleep specialist to find out whether you have a sleep disorder that needs treatment.
They may also ask about your sleep environment and routine.
The following sleep hygiene practices may help improve your sleep:
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day.
- Avoid consuming caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature whenever possible.
- Remove smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices from your bedroom.
- Get some exercise during the day.
You can talk with your doctor to learn more strategies for improving your sleep.
Exercise
A 2022 review reports that although more high quality research is necessary, multiple studies have found that regular exercise may help improve fatigue in people with CKD.
Exercising regularly also has other physical and mental health benefits.
The CDC encourages adults to get at least
Examples of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise include:
- brisk walking
- bike riding
- water aerobics
- mowing the lawn
Examples of muscle-strengthening activities include:
- weightlifting
- resistance band exercises
- bodyweight exercises, such as pushups and situps
- certain types of yoga
- heavy gardening
Talk with your doctor before you change your exercise routine. Your exercise needs and limitations may vary depending on your specific condition.
Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other specialist who can help you develop a safe and sustainable exercise plan.
Stress management
Living with CKD can be stressful, and stress can increase fatigue.
Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and practicing other healthy habits may help limit the effects of stress on your physical and mental health.
You might also find it helpful to:
- spend time with loved ones
- make time for activities you enjoy
- explore your feelings through art or journaling
- practice relaxation techniques such as:
- deep breathing
- guided meditation
- yoga, tai chi, or other mind-body exercises
Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing frequent stress or other mental health challenges.
They may refer you to a mental health specialist for support or recommend other treatments.
Energy conservation
Severe fatigue may make it harder to complete your usual tasks at work or at home.
You might find it helpful to:
- prioritize completing the most important tasks at times of day when you feel most energetic
- take regular breaks during and between challenging tasks
- take short naps during the day
Consider whether there are certain responsibilities or commitments you can turn down or outsource to someone else.
You might also find it helpful to meet with an occupational therapist who can help you develop strategies for managing fatigue at work or at home.
For example, they may recommend changing the layout of your workspaces to increase your comfort or limit the physical challenges of completing certain tasks.
They may also recommend assistive devices or other tools to help you complete certain activities more easily or efficiently.
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and addressing nutritional deficiencies may help:
- limit anemia
- maintain muscle mass
- lower your risk of certain complications from CKD
- reduce your risk of certain health conditions related to CKD
Taking steps to meet your nutritional needs may also help limit fatigue.
Balanced diet
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet typically includes a wide variety of:
- fruits and vegetables
- whole grains, nuts, and seeds
- legumes, such as beans and lentils
- lean proteins, such as seafood and lean poultry
Your specific nutritional needs may vary, depending on the stage of your CKD and whether you have other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
CKD can cause certain nutrients and waste products to build up in your blood, which may worsen symptoms or lead to complications.
Your doctor may advise you to manage this risk by limiting one or more of the following nutrients in your diet:
- protein
- sodium (salt)
- potassium
- phosphorous
- calcium
It’s crucial to get enough of these nutrients but not too much.
Your doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian who can help you learn more about your nutritional needs and how to meet them.
Hydration
Dehydration can contribute to fatigue and other health challenges. Drinking enough fluid is important for preventing dehydration.
But if you have advanced CKD, consuming too much fluid may cause too much water to build up in your blood. This can lead to high blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances.
Your doctor may advise you to monitor and limit the amount of fluid you consume, especially if you have advanced CKD or kidney failure.
Talk with your doctor or a dietitian to learn how much fluid to consume daily.
Nutritional deficiencies
CKD may cause loss of appetite or require changes to your diet that make it harder to meet your nutritional needs. This can potentially lead to nutrient deficiencies, which happen when the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients are too low in your body.
Other health conditions or lifestyle habits can also contribute to nutritional deficiencies.
Certain deficiencies may contribute to fatigue. For example, low iron can make anemia worse and increase fatigue.
Your doctor may order blood tests to check your nutrient levels. They may recommend changes to your diet or prescribe nutritional supplements if you have a deficiency.
But don’t start taking any supplements without talking with your doctor first. Certain supplements may interact with medications or may not be safe for people with CKD.
The challenges of managing CKD may negatively affect your mental health or emotional well-being. Reaching out for support from others may help.
You might find it helpful to do one or more of the following:
- Spend time with loved ones and talk with them about your experiences.
- Join a support group or peer mentorship program for people with CKD.
- Connect with a mental health specialist who has experience supporting people with CKD or other chronic health conditions.
Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing mental health challenges that are negatively affecting your daily life.
They may refer you to a mental health specialist for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of counseling. CBT is a type of counseling that focuses on changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior.
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Additionally, a 2017 review found that CBT and other psychosocial interventions may help improve fatigue in people with end stage kidney disease.
Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing fatigue or other symptoms. They can help you find out whether CKD or another health condition may be causing your symptoms.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend changes to your treatment plan or lifestyle habits. They may also refer you to a specialist for support.
Also, talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current treatment. They can help you learn about the potential benefits and risks of different treatments.
Many people with CKD experience fatigue, which may sometimes be severe. Other health conditions and lifestyle factors can also contribute to fatigue.
Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing fatigue. They can help you identify the cause and find strategies to manage it. They may recommend changes to your treatment plan or lifestyle habits.
Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking steps to meet your nutritional needs are important for maintaining your energy levels and promoting overall health.
Managing stress and reaching out to others for mental health or emotional support may also help you manage the challenges of CKD, including fatigue.