Signs at night that the liver is ‘crying for help’

Liver disease can sometimes manifest as itchy skin, especially at night. One of the causes may be related to the accumulation of bile salts in the blood. When liver function declines, the process of eliminating bile salts can be affected, leading to accumulation in the body and causing an itchy feeling. This condition may last a long time and may not improve much with regular skin creams or allergy treatments.

Unlike normal itching, which often appears and then subsides, itching related to liver disease can last and spread. This symptom is more common in some people with chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis.

Leg cramps and muscle stiffness

Impaired liver function can affect the body’s ability to balance minerals, increasing the risk of potassium, magnesium and calcium deficiencies, which can cause muscle spasms. In people with liver disease, circulation can also be affected, causing muscles (especially in the lower limbs) to not be adequately supplied with oxygen and nutrients.

Cirrhosis is often accompanied by malnutrition and reduced muscle mass, making muscles more susceptible to damage. Impaired liver function can lead to the accumulation of certain substances in the body, affecting the nervous system and muscles. Cramping can occur, causing discomfort and affecting quality of life.

Sleep disorders

When the liver is weakened, the ability to detoxify is reduced, causing substances such as ammonia to accumulate in the blood, directly affecting the brain, causing restlessness and difficulty sleeping. The liver participates in regulating biological rhythms, so when this organ’s function is disturbed, the sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, leading to insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day.

Hormone imbalance, especially melatonin – the hormone that causes drowsiness, makes it difficult for patients to fall into deep sleep. Common symptoms such as itchy skin, cramps, and bloating also disrupt sleep.

Patients should be examined to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment to improve sleep quality. Maintaining a regular bedtime, practicing relaxation or yoga can help improve sleep quality. Keeping a sleep diary and talking with your doctor also helps identify the problem more clearly.

To protect the liver, you should maintain a healthy diet with green vegetables and fruits, and limit fried foods, fatty foods and refined sugar. Drinking enough water, limiting alcohol, maintaining a reasonable weight and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of fatty liver.

Get enough sleep, avoid staying up late, don’t arbitrarily take medications or supplements, and have regular health checks to help detect liver problems early.