If you need to get up multiple times at night to urinate, you might have a condition called nocturia. You may struggle with both an overactive bladder during the day and nocturia, or you may suffer from one or the other. If you have trouble staying asleep at night due to the frequent urge to urinate or wetting accidents, you aren’t alone. There are things you can do to calm your bladder at night so you can get a good night’s sleep.
Avoid Caffeine & Alcohol
Caffeinated beverages and alcohol are diuretics that cause you to urinate more frequently than you usually would. Since they both trigger symptoms of OAB and nocturia, it’s best to avoid caffeine and alcohol in general or to enjoy drinks in moderation.
Restrict Fluid Intake Before Bed
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but cut off your fluid intake a few hours before you go to bed. For most people, this is around 6 p.m. Doing so will help reduce the total amount of urine that’s produced overnight.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can put pressure on your bladder, causing you to need to urinate more often. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly isn’t just good for your body in general, but it can help you reduce the symptoms of nocturia.
Keep a Food Diary
Many people find it beneficial to keep a food diary, listing out everything they eat and drink throughout the day. Doing this can help you pinpoint which foods and beverages trigger your symptoms and make it difficult to sleep at night without urinating excessively. Keep in mind that certain foods like oranges, tomatoes, soup and chocolate can also cause symptoms to flare up. Everyone is different, so it’s best to keep track and see which foods and drinks directly affect you.
Ask About Medications
Nocturia can be caused by underlying conditions, and in those cases, the underlying condition will need to be treated in order for symptoms to improve. Certain medications can also help with nocturia by reducing bladder spasms or causing your body to produce less urine. Talk to your doctor to find out if there’s a medication available that could work for you.
At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Our patients’ health has been and will always be our top priority! Do you need to schedule an appointment? Contact us today or book your appointment online. We look forward to seeing you soon.
