For some people, a rumbling stomach and a hunt for a midnight snack are the only reasons for getting out of bed in the middle of the night. Others face a late-night urge that they can’t ignore: a visit (or multiple visits) to the bathroom.
Millions of Americans wake up to use the bathroom while they should be sleeping, and if you’re one of them, you’re probably looking for a way to regain control over your body. Read on to learn why it’s happening and the five habit changes you can make to minimize your trips to the bathroom.
Looking for more sleep tips? Learn how to sleep cool in the heat, which foods you should eat for better sleep and why sleep divorce might save your relationship.
What is nocturia?
Nocturia is a medical condition that causes you to wake up more than once per night to pee. It affects an estimated one in three adults over 30 and about half of people 65 and older.
There are many causes of nocturia, including drinking too much liquid before bed, consuming alcohol or caffeine at nighttime or taking diuretic medications. Certain medical conditions — like bladder obstructions, diabetes and urinary tract infections — can also contribute to nocturia. In other cases, people have nocturia simply because they’ve developed a habit of waking up and using the bathroom (although they might not necessarily need to go).
5 habits to help you stop waking up to pee at night
