Waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom is not always cause for alarm. However, if it occurs frequently or begins to interfere with your sleep and daily life, it could indicate an underlying problem. Understanding the difference between regular and abnormal nighttime urination, also known as nocturia, might help you decide when to consult a doctor.
What’s Considered Normal?
Most healthy adults can sleep through the night without needing to urinate. It is not uncommon to wake up once during the night, particularly after drinking a lot of fluids in the evening or taking alcohol or caffeine. In reality, waking up once a night to urinate is typically regarded normal, particularly as individuals get older.
As we age, our bodies generate less of the hormone that helps us retain fluid, and our bladder capacity may decline. This is why adults over 60 are more prone to have nocturia.
When Does It Become Abnormal?
Frequent nightly urination becomes a problem when it occurs twice or more per night on a regular basis, especially if it interferes with your sleep or causes weariness throughout the day. Here are some warning indicators that could indicate anything abnormal:
- Waking up frequently at night for no apparent reason (for example, drinking too much liquids).
- Feeling a strong or painful urge to urinate at night.
- Sleeping poorly or feeling tired throughout the day as a result of overnight potty sessions.
- Producing a high amount of urine at night (nocturnal polyuria).
- Increased frequency throughout the day and night.
Common Causes of Abnormal Nocturia
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