Waking up to urinate once occasionally is usually not concerning, but repeated nighttime urination (nocturia) can have several causes. It also becomes more common with age.
G
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust
+1
Common reasons
Drinking lots of fluids close to bedtime, particularly caffeine or alcohol.
G
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust
+1
Enlarged prostate in men, which can make it harder to empty the bladder completely.
N
NIDDK
+1
Diabetes or high blood sugar, which can cause increased urine production and nighttime urination.
N
NIDDK
Certain medications, especially diuretics (“water pills”). Don’t change their timing or stop them without medical advice.
G
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust
Urinary infection, kidney problems, or bladder problems can also cause increased frequency.
N
NIDDK
Sometimes sleep problems are the trigger: you wake for another reason and then decide to urinate because you’re awake.
G
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust
What you can try
Keep normally hydrated during the day, but consider reducing fluids in the few hours before bed if you currently drink heavily at night. Limit evening caffeine and alcohol, and empty your bladder immediately before going to sleep. Don’t restrict fluids so much that you become dehydrated.
N
NIDDK
+1
If you have persistent nocturia, a weak urine stream, difficulty starting, excessive thirst, pain or burning when urinating, blood in the urine, or you’re urinating eight or more times a day, arrange a medical evaluation.
N
NIDDK
+1
If you suddenly cannot urinate at all, have blood in your urine, or develop severe pain, seek medical care promptly.
N
NIDDK
+1
G
N
Sources
