Bladder urges at night? The silent sleep disruptor you shouldn't ignore

Bladder urges at night? The silent sleep disruptor you shouldn't ignore (Photo: iStock)

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.