Do you go to bed feeling perfectly fine but find yourself waking up two, three or even four times to urinate?This condition is called nocturia. It can interrupt sleep and leave you feeling exhausted the following morning.
Although it sometimes becomes more common with age, repeatedly waking up to urinate should not automatically be dismissed as normal.
1. Drinking too much before bedtime
Consuming large quantities of water, tea or other drinks shortly before sleeping can increase nighttime urination.
2. Drinking caffeine late in the day
Coffee, tea and some energy drinks contain caffeine, which can increase urine production and irritate the bladder.
3. Diabetes
High blood sugar can cause the kidneys to remove extra glucose through urine, increasing urination and thirst.
4. Urinary tract infection
An infection may cause frequent urination, urgency, burning and lower abdominal discomfort.
5. Enlarged prostate
In men, an enlarged prostate can interfere with the normal flow of urine and cause frequent nighttime visits.
6. Certain medicines
Some blood pressure medicines, particularly diuretics, increase urine production. Timing may matter, but never change your prescription without medical advice.
7. Sleep problems
Sleep apnoea and other sleep disturbances can contribute to waking at night and increased urine production.
What can you do?
Try reducing caffeine in the evening and avoid large drinks immediately before bed. Keep a record of how often you wake up and discuss persistent symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Do not deliberately dehydrate yourself. If you experience excessive thirst, painful urination, blood in urine or sudden changes in urination, get checked.
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