Too much or too little sleep? Apollo doctor uncovers surprising kidney and diabetes warning

Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it could be quietly affecting your kidneys, especially if you have diabetes. A recent study shows that both too little sleep and oversleeping might harm kidney function, even if you think you’re doing everything else right. Striking the right balance could be a surprisingly simple way to protect your health and keep your kidneys happy. Here’s what you need to know.

Dr Sudhir Kumar shared insights on the study, which tracked over 1,300 adults living with diabetes. Researchers found a “U-shaped” pattern: people getting roughly seven hours of sleep nightly had the best kidney health, while those clocking under six hours or over eight hours showed poorer kidney function, measured through eGFR. This pattern held true even after accounting for factors like age, weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar control.

The takeaway is simple. For anyone with diabetes, aiming for about seven hours of quality sleep each night could help support kidney function. Sleeping too little—or too much—may increase the risk of decline over time. While the study shows correlation rather than direct cause, it highlights just how important a consistent sleep routine can be for long-term kidney health.

Sleep Duration and Kidney Health in Diabetes

▶️A new study of over 1,300 adults with diabetes found that both too little sleep (under 6 hours) and too much sleep (over 8 hours) were linked to poorer kidney function, measured by eGFR.

✅People who slept around 7 hours a night… pic.twitter.com/OnzuoW8QfF

— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) October 18, 2025

Paying attention to your sleep may feel small, but it could be a surprisingly powerful tool in protecting your kidneys—and your overall health.

Here's what science says-
Interestingly, research from the National Library of Medicine also backs the idea that sleep and kidney health are closely connected. The study explains that the kidney follows the body’s natural circadian rhythm—essentially syncing with your sleep-wake cycle to manage its functions throughout the day. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can have real consequences. In a long-term study involving over 4,000 participants, those sleeping five hours or less per night were nearly 80% more likely to experience a rapid decline in kidney function compared to those getting a steady 7–8 hours.