Understanding Fatigue and Kidney Disease

Getting tired is normal, but being so tired that it’s hard to keep up with your daily life may be a sign of fatigue and kidney disease. There are many illnesses that cause fatigue, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its related conditions.

Fatigue is more than feeling tired. Fatigue is severe and persistent. People experiencing fatigue have difficulty doing their regular activities and work.

Some warning signs that your tiredness might actually be fatigue include:

• Feeling depressed or anxious
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Extremely low energy and/or motivation
• Muscle weakness
• Full-body exhaustion
• Boredom
• Irritability

If you experience any of these, talk to your doctor about what could be causing it. Fatigue and kidney disease may be part of why you’re feeling this way.

Your kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. When they become damaged through illness or injury, they can no longer perform that role. Without functional kidneys, the body doesn’t effectively filter blood, meaning toxins can build up. People who have or are concerned about CKD should know the warning signs.

Many people with CKD don’t have noticeable symptoms until later stages. Some symptoms of kidney disease to keep an eye out for include:

• Changes in urination
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Back pain
• Swelling in hands and feet

Anemia is a condition that causes fatigue because your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are critical because they carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin that tells the body when it’s time to make more red blood cells. People with CKD may experience fatigue caused by anemia because their kidneys are not producing this key hormone.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one has CKD, it’s important to get tested. There are five stages of CKD. Your doctor will look at your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to determine if you have CKD and what stage. This is usually done with a simple blood test, though your doctor may run additional tests on your urine, blood, and kidneys to determine if you have CKD. Your doctor may also refer you to a nephrologist, or kidney doctor, for additional care.

If you have CKD, there are ways to boost your energy through diet, medication, and more. Your doctor can help you manage your CKD.

Your diet affects your overall health. Maintaining a kidney-friendly diet can help you get the nutrients you need without overindulging. Discuss your specific dietary needs with your doctor and dietitian. You may also opt for regular exercise, with your doctor’s guidance, to help you feel your best. And check out our recipes for meals designed to help you stay on track with a kidney-friendly diet.

If you have other health concerns such as diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to take your medications as directed. If your CKD causes anemia, you may be prescribed iron supplements and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to help replace the erythropoietin your kidneys normally make.

Fighting fatigue can be challenging. But sometimes small changes can make a big difference in your energy levels.

Feeling stressed can make you tired. Living with a chronic medical condition like CKD can be stressful, and it’s important to know the signs of stress so you can recognize them and find ways to reduce the stress in your life. Some people find that light exercise, yoga, meditation, and even journaling can help put stress in check.

Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night.¹ If getting enough sleep is a challenge for you, try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoid napping during the day, and try to avoid using electronic devices like phones or televisions before bed. 

Exercise during the day can burn extra energy and make it easier to fall asleep at night.¹ Always check with your doctor to see what kind of exercise is right for you before starting a new routine.

Some fluids are more likely to cause fatigue and may be best to avoid, such as alcohol or caffeinated beverages.² Instead go for water or juices depending on your specific disease state and medical needs. People living with kidney disease, especially those on dialysis, often need to closely monitor their fluid intake, so ask your doctor how much is right for you.

Fatigue can make it difficult to manage and enjoy your daily life. Understanding the cause of your fatigue can help you and your doctor decide the right course of action. If kidney disease is causing your fatigue, talk to your medical team so you can find the right solutions for you to thrive.