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According to medical experts, needing to urinate once during the night is typical for people under the age of 60. (Picture imagined by Meta AI)
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Health Agencies - If you often find yourself waking up at night to use the bathroom, it’s likely perfectly normal. According to medical experts, needing to urinate once during the night is typical for people under the age of 60. This condition, known as nocturia, has various causes. “Some factors, such as drinking too much in the evening or consuming excessive caffeinated drinks throughout the day, are easy to address,” explains Davina Richardson, a nurse at the charity Bladder and Bowel UK.
However, frequent urination at night—more than once—could signal underlying health issues.
Excessive nighttime urination may indicate conditions ranging from mild issues like urinary tract infections to more serious concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, prostate cancer, or heart disease.
How age affects nighttime urination
The threshold for what’s considered "normal" changes as we age.
For those over 70, waking up twice a night to urinate is relatively common, according to the NHS. By the time people reach their 90s, this can increase to four times per night.
This is due to a decline in the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) with age. ADH helps the body retain water and prevents dehydration.
For those over 70, waking up twice a night to urinate is relatively common, according to the NHS. By the time people reach their 90s, this can increase to four times per night
When to be concerned
If increased nighttime urination is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a warning sign of an underlying health problem. For example: Diabetes: Symptoms include excessive thirst, unintentional weight loss, blurry vision, and frequent urination. High blood sugar levels irritate the bladder, increasing the urge to urinate.
Heart Conditions: Chest pain, swollen ankles, and sweating, along with frequent urination, may indicate poor circulation. Swollen ankles can result from fluid retention, which the kidneys later excrete as urine.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These are often accompanied by a burning sensation and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Other potential causes include kidney stones, an overactive bladder, certain medications, sleep disorders, and excessive fluid intake.
Managing Nocturia
Nocturia can disrupt sleep, negatively affecting daytime functioning, quality of life, and overall well-being. However, it can sometimes be resolved with simple lifestyle changes.
Ms. Richardson advises the following:
Reduce caffeine, fizzy drinks, and alcohol consumption, especially in the evening.
Avoid consuming large amounts of fluid late at night.
Steer clear of high-protein meals in the evening.
The NHS recommends having your last glass of water at 8 p.m. instead of closer to bedtime. While you should maintain adequate hydration, it’s better to drink more during the day. Maintaining good sleep hygiene can also help. Poor sleep can make you more aware of nighttime urges, especially if you’re awake or in shallow sleep.
If nocturia persists or worsens, the NHS advises consulting a GP to rule out underlying health conditions.
By understanding the potential causes and making adjustments, you can improve your sleep quality and overall health.
Torch Media Africa
