Yes, anaemia can affect sleep.
Research indicates a strong link between low iron levels, a common cause of anaemia, and various sleep issues. These sleep problems can range from minor disruptions to more serious sleep disorders.
How Anaemia Impacts Sleep
Here's a breakdown of how anaemia can affect your sleep:
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Low iron is often associated with RLS, a condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move your legs, particularly at night. This constant movement can significantly disrupt sleep.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Studies have found a connection between low iron and OSA, a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. OSA leads to fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue.
Specific Sleep Issues Related to Low Iron
| Sleep Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) | Uncomfortable sensations in the legs leading to an urge to move them, often worse at night. |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) | Repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, resulting in fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels. |
| Difficulty falling asleep | Low iron can make it harder to relax and fall asleep, leading to insomnia. |
| Frequent awakenings | Disrupted sleep throughout the night, often due to RLS, OSA, or other symptoms of iron deficiency. |
| Poor sleep quality | Even if you're getting sufficient hours of sleep, you may feel unrefreshed due to fragmented sleep and low iron levels. |
Addressing Sleep Issues Related to Anaemia
If you are experiencing sleep problems and suspect anaemia might be the cause, consider the following:
- Consult your doctor: Get your iron levels checked to determine if iron deficiency is a contributing factor.
- Iron supplements: If iron deficiency is confirmed, your doctor may recommend iron supplements to help restore iron levels and alleviate sleep issues. Note: Supplementation should only be done under medical advice.
- Dietary changes: Increase consumption of iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, and leafy green vegetables.
- Other health issues: Sometimes the reasons behind sleep disorders can be very complex so it's important to get a full checkup with your doctor.
By addressing the underlying iron deficiency, you may be able to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.
