A recent health check has brought attention to the potential impact of liver stiffness on overall well-being, including issues like insomnia. For many, the liver's health is often overlooked until problems arise, with a recent personal account illustrating how lifestyle factors and stress can contribute to liver stiffness, particularly affecting women.
Georgina Fuller, at 48, found herself experiencing persistent insomnia and began to question if her liver could be involved, a concern amplified by a friend's diagnosis of fatty liver disease, now known as steatotic liver disease. Fuller noted her own Achilles' heel is a fondness for wine, especially during warmer months, and wondered if years of alcohol consumption might have impacted her liver.
A fibroscan, an ultrasound test used to measure liver fat and scarring, was performed. While Fuller's steatosis score indicated less than 10% liver fat, falling within the normal range, the technician noted there was “room for improvement” regarding her liver's stiffness, measured at 4.6 kilopascals (kPa). A normal range for liver stiffness is typically 2-7 kPa. Scores above 8 kPa can indicate elevated stiffness, a condition thought to affect around 10% of women and potentially increase during menopause.
Siggi Clavien, founder of The Liver Clinic, explained that liver stiffness can be linked to stress. The liver plays a crucial role in processing physiological stressors, including emotional, physical, and environmental factors. Over time, this cumulative burden can lead to increased liver fat, inflammation, and stiffness. Clavien further suggested that liver dysfunction can contribute to insomnia by affecting the regulation of cortisol and blood sugar levels during the night, potentially leading to wakefulness.
While a supplement called de-liver-ance was suggested as a way to enhance the liver's metabolic capacity, Fuller found its high cost prohibitive. After trying it for several weeks, she reported some minor improvements, such as calmer skin and feeling perkier after consuming alcohol, but ultimately concluded that traditional lifestyle changes might be more effective. These include weight loss, a healthier diet, increased exercise, and moderation in alcohol consumption, which are reportedly beneficial for reversing inflammation and early-stage liver scarring.