Everyone loves to have uninterrupted sleep at night. It’s the only way to wake up refreshed and ready for the day’s mental and physical demands. A good night’s sleep is also linked to numerous health benefits. However, the bladder can sometimes interrupt your sleep in the middle of the night, demanding that you head to the bathroom to empty it. An occasional trip to the loo isn’t much of a concern, but if you repeatedly wake up to urinate, it’s worth investigating why.
There’s a medical term for the need to wake up at night to pee: nocturia. The leading causes include hydration habits, age-related hormonal changes, medications, or specific sleep disorders. Reviewing your drinking and eating habits before bedtime is usually a good starting point. The more water you consume close to bedtime, the higher the likelihood that you’ll wake up to urinate. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can also increase urine production, forcing you to interrupt your sleep. Foods, fruits, and vegetables with high water content may also contribute to nighttime urination.
As you age, your sleep cycle changes. You sleep more lightly, and even a partially full bladder can wake you up. With advancing age, the body produces less of the hormone that signals the kidneys to retain more water overnight, leading to frequent awakenings to empty the bladder. For women, changing hormone levels, particularly during menopause, can be linked to nocturia. Men aren’t spared either—changes in the prostate gland can cause incomplete bladder emptying and frequent urination at night.
People with chronic medical conditions may be taking medications that increase urine production, known as diuretics. This is common for conditions, such as hypertension, which are often treated with such medications. If you are taking any such drugs, check with your doctor. If these medications are taken later in the day or at night, they may contribute to nocturia. Adjusting the timing of the medication may help without necessarily negatively affecting the management of your condition.
However, nocturia can also be a sign of underlying and more serious health problems. Fluctuating high blood pressure overnight can increase urine production. Diabetes is a well-known cause of increased urination frequency, even at night. Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, are also associated with frequent awakenings and increased urine production, leading to nocturia.
Don’t ignore frequent nighttime urination. It disrupts your sleep and overall health and can also be an early indicator of a more significant medical condition. If nocturia persists despite lifestyle adjustments, it’s essential to see your doctor. Identifying any underlying health issues early can improve your sleep pattern and overall well-being.
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Dr Murage is a Consultant Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist.