Are you getting up a couple of times during the night (or more) to pee? The medical name is nocturia. Even though nocturia is common, it's not normal. Luckily, treatment options exist, including non-invasive ones, like simple lifestyle modifications.
Below, we discuss nocturia in more detail. As with all content on our blog, the following is educational, not medical advice. Always consult your medical provider regarding your unique healthcare needs.
How long should you be able to go without waking up to pee during the night?
We should be able to sleep six to eight hours without waking up to empty our bladders. Waking up multiple times to urinate is abnormal. This problem affects most of us as we age and can creep up on us slowly.
And while nocturia is common—affecting more than 50% of adults after age 50—it's not normal. Nocturia tends to be more common in men than women, and it can affect younger people as well. The Cleveland Clinic reports that nocturia affects 1 in 3 people over the age of 30.
Why getting up multiple times a night to pee is problematic
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says good sleep is essential because it improves our brain function, mood, and overall health. No surprises there.
But did you know sleep quality is paramount to what qualifies as "good sleep"?
Sleep quality encompasses more than simply how many hours you spend in bed, but also how good those hours are.
- Do you get plenty of uninterrupted sleep?
- Do you maintain a consistent and healthy sleep schedule?
- Are you getting enough sleep?
The NIH notes that poor sleep can raise the risks of certain health conditions like stroke, heart disease, and dementia.
Nocturia can affect sleep quality since getting up to pee multiple times a night will interrupt your sleep.
What causes nocturia?
Nocturia isn't usually an indication of a serious condition. Instead, it's more of a lifestyle issue. Sometimes, it's a sleep problem. Other times, it might have something to do with increased production of urine—or it might be a bladder or prostate problem.
Often, it's a combination of all three. Focusing on lifestyle changes is sometimes all patients need to do to experience relief.
Certain conditions can contribute to people needing to get up multiple times a night to pee. These include sleep apnea, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy, and menopause. (This isn't an exhaustive list.)
What are some lifestyle changes that can help treat nocturia?
Get plenty of fresh air and exercise during the day so you're tired when you go to bed. Develop good sleep habits, such as avoiding napping in front of the TV before bedtime.
Avoiding computers and phones before bed can help people achieve a better night's sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the blue light that screens emit mimics daylight and can affect people's circadian rhythm.
Think about what you're drinking—and when. Many of us walk around with water bottles all day. Cut back on the amount of fluid you take in, especially after 5 p.m. Cut back on the amount of alcohol you consume because alcohol can adversely affect our ability to stay asleep. The same applies to beverages that tend to make people pee a lot, like coffee and tea. (Not to mention, the caffeine can affect sleep.)
What if lifestyle modifications aren't enough?
If lifestyle modifications aren't working, our urologists can conduct straightforward tests during an office visit. A simple urine test or bladder ultrasound may be all that's required to get you on the right track. In some cases, medication might be an option.
The bottom line: Nocturia is treatable.
You don't need to miss out on fabulous sleep. See your doctor to learn how to treat your nocturia. If you're in the Boston area, request an appointment with one of our world-class urologists. With a better understanding of what's causing you to wake up at night to go to the bathroom, we can help you get a better night's sleep and quality of life.