Tinkle Tinkle – No Star

Nocturia is when a person must wake up multiple times at night to pass urine. Nocturia can negatively affect a person’s quality of life by interrupting sleep, increasing nighttime fall risk, and causing fatigue and/or depression. This condition becomes more common as people age and occurs in both men and women. The majority of people dealing with nocturia are usually over the age of 60, but it can happen at any age.
Studies have found that 69% of men and 76% of women over the age of 40 report getting up during the night to go to the bathroom at least once per night.[1] It is estimated that nearly 50% of men in their sixties have to wake up at least twice per night to urinate. It has been shown that over 40% of people who have a nighttime awakening will have trouble falling asleep. Nocturia is also associated with decreased physical health, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.[2]
A few lifestyle changes might reduce the nighttime need to urinate. Some of these may include:
• Reduce evening fluid intake
• Decrease the consumption of alcohol and caffeine, especially in afternoon and evening
• Focus on sleep schedule, even on weekends and holidays
• Daily exercise
Working with a healthcare professional and adjusting a few lifestyle changes can help reduce the number of nighttime bathroom trips, but may not eliminate it completely.
Sources:
[1] Weiss J. P. (2012). Nocturia: focus on etiology and consequences. Reviews in Urology, 14(3-4), 48–55.
[2] Akhavizadegan H, et al. A comprehensive review of adult enuresis. Can Urol Assoc J. 2018 Sep 27 (282-287).