A good night’s sleep is essential to help you feel refreshed in the morning and well-rested to start the day. However, one of the most common disturbances to good quality sleep is frequent urination. If you find yourself waking up more than 2 times every night, you may have a condition called nocturia.
What Are The Causes of Nighttime Urination?
The amount of urine your body produces decreases at night, allowing you to sleep a solid six to eight hours without having to wake up to use the bathroom. But some changes in your body can cause you to feel the urge to use the toilet at night.
Age
Your body produces less of the hormone that helps to control fluid in your body and reduce urination. This causes your body to have more urine at night, stimulating the urge to use the toilet. The muscles in your bladder may also have weakened, making it harder for you to hold your urine at night.
Infections and Medications
Frequent nighttime urination can be caused by chronic urinary tract infections and bacterial infection in the bladder. Some medications can have diuretic effects causing you to wake up at night with the urge to urine.
Underlying Health Conditions
Sometimes, nighttime urination is a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as chronic kidney failure, diabetes and heart failure. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it means disorders of the Kidneys and Bladder systems are the causes. Such disorders are often accompanied by lower back pain, back pain, sore knees, tiredness and the tendency to feel cold.
Treatments and Remedies for Nighttime Urination
Reduce Liquid Consumption at Night
Cut down on diuretic drinks such as alcohol and caffeine and restrict drinking them about six hours before bedtime to prevent the urge to use the toilet during your sleep.
Balance Organs with Chinese Medicine
According to TCM, the disorders of the Kidneys and Bladder can be balanced with acupuncture and herbs. Essential oils can be used to improve the circulation of the kidney and bladder, Meditrina QiActiv® Pelvic Care Essential Oil one of such suitable remedies you can use.
Strengthen Pelvic Health
Urinary flow can be better controlled with stronger bladder muscles. You can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with Kegels, squats and bridge exercises.
Food Therapy
Tonify your Kidneys with food such as prawns, walnuts, black beans, black sesame seeds, soya beans and goji berries.