Understanding Nighttime Urination: What's Normal and When to Seek Help

Waking up once during the night to use the restroom is certainly not uncommon, but waking up several times at night could be cause for concern. Nocturia, or needing to relieve yourself after dark, can stem from a variety of problems. Lisa Zwiers, a Physician Assistant at AdventHealth Medical Group Urology at Denver, shares some valuable tips to help you sleep through the night.

1. Understanding Normal Urination Patterns

It's normal to urinate 1-2 times per night, typically between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. As we age, our ability to concentrate urine while we sleep diminishes, leading to more frequent nighttime urination. If you’re finding you are waking up more than three or four times each night, consult your doctor.

2. Reducing Liquid Intake Before Bed

To minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom, try reducing your liquid intake two hours before bed. Additionally, avoid consuming foods and beverages that irritate the bladder in the evening. Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods are common culprits.

3. Treating Overactive Bladder

Having an overactive bladder can significantly impact your quality of life. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we've become more aware of how social isolation affects our health. Bladder control issues can contribute to social isolation. If you find yourself urinating more than 10 times per day and more than twice at night, it's advisable to seek help. There are conservative treatments available that are both effective and low risk!

4. Impact of Caffeine, Energy Drinks and Supplements

The popularity of energy drinks and pre-workout supplements has led to an increase in urinary frequency among younger individuals. It's important to be mindful of your intake of these products and if you’re finding that they are creating frequent or urgent need to go to the bathroom, consider reducing your intake of caffeine. Reducing caffeine consumption can also greatly improve sleep quality!

If you find yourself waking up several times during the night or are concerned about other urinary habits you’re experiencing, speak with your doctor. Lisa is accepting new patients at AdventHealth Medical Group Urology at Denver and at Lone Tree. Click here to learn more or to schedule an appointment: Lisa Zwiers, PA-C | Urology | Denver, CO | AdventHealth

Lisa Zwiers, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant through the Colorado Board of Medical Examiners and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She specializes in female urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, managing complicated interstitial cystitis cases, urodynamic testing and interpretation – including video urodynamics – and neuromodulation programming. In addition, her clinical focus includes managing incontinence/overactive bladder when standard treatment therapies have failed and conservative management of vaginal vault prolapse and pessary therapy. Lisa worked in a variety of medical capacities including geriatrics, women’s health, family practice, urogynecology, and urology.

AdventHealth Medical Group Urology at Denver is located on the AdventHealth Porter campus.