Fatigue is one of the most common complaints on dialysis. It is real, it has causes, and many of them can be improved.
Common causes
- Anaemia: the kidneys no longer produce enough of the hormone that makes red blood cells
- The session itself: changes in fluid and blood pressure can leave you exhausted for hours
- Poor sleep, restless legs or sleep apnoea
- Large fluid gains between sessions
- Low activity, which reduces stamina over time
- Low mood
What helps
- Tell your team: blood tests can show anaemia or other treatable causes
- Keep fluid gains small to have gentler sessions
- Rest after the session but stay active on non-dialysis days
- Light, regular exercise such as walking
- A regular sleep routine
- Eat enough protein, as advised by your dietitian
Learn more
See also exercise on dialysis and planning excursions around sessions.
Planning a trip on dialysis?
Tell us your dates: we book your sessions near your hotel and reply within 12 hours.
Useful resources
This article is general information and does not replace the advice of your nephrologist or renal team.