Bathroom Business

When the Loo Calls, Sleep Waits

Doesn’t it go to figure that just when you’ve carved out your comfy spot in your bed and drifted off, you’re up running to the bathroom? And for those to whom this is all too familiar, you know what comes next: Flush. Get back into bed. Repeat.

The urge to frequently urinate at night (nocturia) is something that affects a wide range of people. If you’re one of them, you may know the reason why. For instance, many pregnant women actually bond over how often they need to visit the water closet. But other times, the cause may not be as clear to you at first.

If you’re urinating more often than usual, particularly if you’re being woken up to take care of business, mention it to your doctor to rule out or identify potential causes such as:

1. Urinary tract infection
2. Enlarged prostate or prostatitis (irritation of the prostate caused by an STD or another bacteria)
3. Urinary incontinence (inability to keep urine from leaking)
4. Diabetes
5. Your medication (diuretics, for example)

In most cases, luckily, the answer is going to be that things just aren’t working like they used to. Age alone can be a factor, so keep these tips in mind. Though we can’t guarantee that you won’t see the likes of 3 a.m. again, they’ll help minimize your risk or at least prepare you for those rude awakenings.

1. Do not drink before bedtime – especially caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
2. Women: Practice Kegel exercises.
3. Void yourself completely before hitting the sack.
4. Keep a nightlight on in your bathroom, and don’t turn the lights on when you pay a visit in the middle of the night. Bright lights will fully awaken you faster, making it harder for you to fall back asleep.
5. If necessary, wear a shield to catch urine that makes its way out before you can make it to the toilet.
6. Purchase a waterproof mattress cover to protect your bed from accidents.