Peeing a lot prior to bed is a typical condition, especially in the over-60s. You can lessen night-time urination through lifestyle changes, and see a doctor when needed.
Urine production reduces at night-time – enabling a great 6-8 hours’ worth of sleep without interruption. Nevertheless, some individuals feel the have to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, sometimes frequently. This can badly disrupt their sleep patterns, which may produce more health issues.
Nocturia is a condition where people have to pee at least twice a night. This condition is most common in the over-60s.
Peeing a Lot Before Bed – Why
There are numerous reasons why specific individuals may be peeing a lot in the evening time.
- First of all, drinking in the evening, particularly alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, will increase the production of urine.
- Additionally, peeing a lot prior to bed may suggest a hidden health issue, such as diabetes, diabetes insipidus, persistent kidney failure, heart failure, high blood calcium, an enlarged prostate gland or a urinary infection.
- Particular medications may likewise cause regular urination at night such as diuretics (water pills).
- Nocturia has actually likewise been connected with sleep conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea. As soon as the resting condition has actually been dealt with, the nocturia may be treated.
- Aging is a major consider peeing a lot before bed. As we grow older, our levels of anti-diuretic hormone, which helps us to save fluid, decline, so we might produce more urine. The bladder muscles may likewise deteriorate with age, making it more difficult to keep urine in the bladder at night.
- Pregnancy and giving birth can likewise deteriorate the bladder and pelvic floor muscles, causing urine retention problems in women.
Peeing a Lot Before Bed – What to Do
To assist identify the reason for regular urination during the night only, it works to keep a record of just how much you have had to consume, how typically you urinate at night and just how much you urinate. You may also wish to check your weight daily for any modifications– it is important to weigh yourself on the very same set of scales at the very same time each day.
As peeing a lot before bed can show a serious underlying cause, you need to see a doctor if:
- You are fretted about the amount you urinate during the night
- You are urinating during the night with enhancing frequency
- You have a burning experience when you pee
What the Doctor Will Do
The doctor will check the frequency of your night-time urination, for how long you have actually been experiencing this condition and about your usual night activities. After inquiring about your symptoms, the doctor will conduct a physical examination. He/she may likewise perform specific investigations, such as:
- Urine analysis, to take a look at the chemical compounds in the urine
- Determining urine concentration to identify whether the kidneys are working correctly
- Evaluating the amount of residual urine in the bladder after you pee– this will need an ultrasound scan of the pelvic area
These measurements will figure out the performance of your kidneys and whether peeing a lot during the night time is because of a hidden condition, such as diabetes, kidney illness or dehydration. If this is thought, the following additional tests might be carried out:
- Blood sugar levels
- Blood urea nitrogen
- Serum electrolyte
- Blood osmolality (the concentration of different chemicals in the fluid part of the blood).
- Creatinine clearance.
Treatment for Frequent Night Urination
The actions you take to alleviate night-time urination depend on the underlying cause of the condition. However, there are some general steps you can take that might help.
- First of all, you should limit the amount of fluids you drink in the evening making sure your bladder is as empty as possible prior to you go to bed.
- Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks serve as diuretics, enhancing urine production, so try to avoid these. We strongly recommend quitting drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Other foods and beverages, such as acidic or spicy foods, citrus or cranberry juices, chocolate and sweetening agents, may irritate the bladder and these should be limited, particularly in the evening.
- To make sure you are well-rested before going to bed, you might want to take an afternoon nap.
- Enhancing the blood circulation of fluids through the body, by using compression stockings or keeping the legs raised throughout the day, can likewise help.
- Kegel exercises are specific drills you can use to establish control in an overactive bladder. A relaxation reflex in the bladder is activated by contracting and then releasing the muscles around the opening of the urethra. The exercises can be practiced by starting urination then interrupting the flow for 6-10 seconds. 3 sets of 8-12 contractions performed 3-4 times per week is a great beginning place.
Advice from Someone Who Has Similar Experience
“I can identify with this. I’ll depend on bed and check out for a bit after going to the bathroom, but will not be able falling asleep till I’ve gone to pee once again, even if there’s just a small amount. However, some nights I can conquer the need to urinate and get to sleep. I believe the condition may be more major if you often need to pee throughout the day, with just a little urine each time, as this could indicate a problem with the urinary system or bladder. If you only do this during the night, it might be due to obsessive uncontrollable condition. In this case, you’ll most likely be fine without any expert intervention, unless it’s really impacting your life. A therapist may be able to help you.”
