You're lying comfortably in bed when you feel that pressure in your bladder. You get up and go to the bathroom, but only a small amount of urine comes out. You've woken up three more times to urinate before you realise it.
Does this sound familiar? You are not by yourself. According to research, approximately 65 per cent of people aged 55 and older reported getting up several times during the night to use the washroom.
If you're concerned about your nightly urinary patterns, here's some information to help you distinguish what's normal and when you should seek medical attention.
What is considered normal?
A study published in the Journal of Urology in 2010 looked at the prevalence and incidence of nocturia (urination at night). It was discovered that up to one-third of men aged 20 to 40 had at least one nightly urination. The figure for women was slightly higher—up to 43 per cent. Fewer than one in every five men and women in that age group reported urinating at night on two or more occasions.
It's a different storey for people over the age of 70. Over two-thirds of men and women over the age of 70 urinate at least once per night, and up to 60% urinate twice or more.
In a nutshell, the study found that most people wake up once a night and that it becomes more common as you get older.
Why we can't control and need to pee at night?
Most people are unaffected by nighttime urination. However, if this interferes with your sleep or productivity the next day, you should seek medical attention. You should see a doctor confirm the underlying habits for your nocturia is caused by some other medical conditions, such as:
Prostate enlargement: Men with an enlarged prostate may have difficulty completely emptying their bladder, resulting in urinary retention. Any small increase in urine in the bladder during the night may cause a heightened desire to use the restroom. These symptoms can be evaluated by your primary care physician or urologist.
Overactive bladder: This can occur as a result of nerve problems, medications, or lifestyle choices that cause the muscles in your bladder to work overtime.
Excessive fluid consumption: If you drink fluids right before bed, especially caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, you may wake up to urinate because your kidneys will filter this fluid out while you sleep. Limit your intake three hours before bedtime, and your symptoms may improve.
Uncontrolled Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can cause an increase in urine production. Many new diabetes diagnoses are made when patients present with excessive daytime or nighttime urinary frequency. Better sugar control may be beneficial in this situation.
Medications: Certain diuretics, or blood pressure medications, can lower your blood pressure by removing excess fluid from your body. These medications may cause increased urine output and nocturia if taken at night. Request that your doctor reviews your medications to see if you can take them during the day to avoid nighttime nocturia.
Stress: Stress has been linked to a variety of medical issues, including heart disease, obesity, depression, and gastrointestinal issues. Stress can cause you to stay awake and increase your nocturia.
Many people wake up at night to urinate, but you can improve your nightly symptoms by changing your habits, medications, or overall health. However, nighttime urination could be your body's way of alerting you to another underlying issue, so consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
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