Don't ignore this nighttime habit, it may signal serious disease

Conditions that cause excessive urination

Diabetes

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that frequent trips to the bathroom can be one of the earliest signs of blood sugar problems.

Frequent urination is an early symptom of diabetes. When diabetes goes undiagnosed or is poorly controlled, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to more frequent bathroom visits.

High blood glucose can trigger osmotic diuresis, resulting in excessive nighttime urination. This happens when the kidneys try to lower blood sugar levels by excreting excess glucose in the urine.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep and block breathing, causing a person to wake up repeatedly at night. Signs include snoring or gasping for air during sleep.

This condition may also be a hidden reason why you get up to use the bathroom at night. In addition to disrupting sleep, apnea can reduce blood oxygen levels, leading to hormonal changes that promote nighttime urination.

Overactive bladder

If you notice that you go to the bathroom more than twice a night, you may have an overactive bladder. This condition makes the bladder overly sensitive and sends frequent or sudden signals to urinate, even when it is not full.

When it is considered normal

For most adults, getting up to use the bathroom once a night is considered normal. Regularly waking up two or more times per night, however, is a reason to see a doctor.

In addition, frequent nighttime bathroom trips can disrupt sleep and reduce daytime energy levels.

Tips to follow

You can reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom by following these tips:

• Stop drinking fluids two hours before bed. Try to limit fluid intake at least two hours before sleep, especially alcohol and caffeinated beverages. They are diuretics and can increase urination.

• Check your medications. Some medications, such as diuretics prescribed for high blood pressure or heart conditions, can increase urine production.

• Reduce leg swelling. Fluid buildup in the legs can cause frequent urination at night. Elevating your legs or wearing compression stockings in the evening can help move fluid back into circulation and reduce nighttime urination.

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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.