Sleep: The Overlooked Superpower for Dialysis Patients
At bookdialysis, we believe that living with dialysis shouldn't mean putting your life or your dreams on hold. And in our recent webinar with the inspiring Dr. Lavin, one message rang loud and clear: if you want to thrive on dialysis, start with sleep. We often hear about the importance of medication, diet, and even travel planning, but how often do we talk about the role of restful sleep in health and healing? 👉 If you missed the session, you can now watch the full video on our YouTube channel. Just search for Bookdialysis on YouTube or follow the link at the end of this article. Why Sleep Matters So Much for Dialysis Patients Dialysis puts the body through a lot. It can be physically and emotionally draining, and yet many people on dialysis struggle with restless nights, fatigue, or disrupted sleep patterns. The irony? Sleep is the very thing that can help the body and mind cope better with dialysis. Here’s why sleep is a superpower for people living with chronic kidney disease: It helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar It supports immune function and cellular repair It improves mood, focus, and emotional resilience It reduces stress, which is often high in dialysis patients It makes travel and everyday life more enjoyable “Before we talk about nutrition or exercise, we must first fix our sleep.”– Dr. Lavin For more insights like this, watch the full webinar replay on YouTube and get inspired to take small steps that lead to better living. Dr. Lavin’s Top Sleep Tips for People on Dialysis In the session, Dr. Lavin shared practical, science-backed advice that’s easy to apply. Here are a few of his top suggestions: 1. Start with first light When you wake up, get some natural light exposure. Go near a window or step outside. This helps regulate your internal clock and supports better sleep at night. 2. Stay hydrated wisely Fluid balance is crucial for dialysis patients, especially while traveling. Dr. Lavin suggests sipping water consistently and using ice cubes or cold fruits to stay hydrated, particularly in warm climates. 3. Cut screen time before bed Turn off screens one hour before sleep, and be mindful of what you're watching or reading. Violent news, stressful emails, or emotionally heavy content can interfere with restful sleep. 4. Try calming rituals Dr. Lavin recommends gentle stretching, meditation, and even looking at happy travel photos before bed. These small rituals can shift your brain into a calmer state and prepare your body for sleep. 5. Keep your room cool and dark A cool, quiet, and dark room mimics the natural sleeping conditions of our ancestors and helps produce more melatonin, the sleep hormone. Dr. Lavin explains each of these tips in detail during the webinar. You can watch it now on YouTube to revisit them at your own pace. Rest to Travel, Travel to Thrive Dr. Lavin's message wasn't just medical. It was deeply human: You deserve to live well. And sleep is what will make that life possible, enjoyable, and meaningful. Whether you're dreaming of a holiday in Greece or planning a family reunion abroad, a strong foundation of rest, nutrition, and movement will help you get there. “You’re not just surviving dialysis. You’re thriving. Your adventure awaits.” Watch the full webinar on YouTube to feel inspired and supported every step of the way. Ready to Plan Your Next Trip? At bookdialysis, we’re here to support your travels with confidence. That includes helping you sleep better, move more, eat well, and never stop dreaming. Explore our clinics, meet our #BKDsquad ambassadors, and join a growing community of travelers who are thriving with dialysis. 🎥 Watch the full webinar now on our YouTube channel(Or search for "bookdialysis" on YouTube.)
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