Do you wake up repeatedly throughout the night to go to the bathroom? If so, you’re not alone. It’s believed that more than 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from a condition known as nocturia, which is the inability to achieve essential rest because of frequent urination. This begs the question, though, is it a urinary or a sleep problem? Keep reading to discover the underlying causes of this common disorder and how a sleep dentist can help.
What Causes Nocturia?
For some individuals, waking up throughout the night to go to the bathroom is an unlikely occurrence. However, those who experience multiple interruptions because of their need to urinate may experience one or more of the following symptoms associated with nocturia:
- New medications (diuretics)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Obstructed bladder
- Inflammation of the bladder or spasms
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Restless leg syndrome
- Heart disease
- And more
How is Frequent Nighttime Urination Impacting Your Sleep?
When the need to urinate causes you to wake up multiple times each night, it will eventually begin to affect your daily quality of life.
Chronic fatigue, drowsy driving, irritability, forgetfulness, and even depression can become evident. Without professional help and formal treatment, your overall wellness and well-being can decline.
This not only negatively impacts your personal relationships but also your ability to be productive in a workplace setting.
What Kind of Treatment is Available to Reduce Urination & Encourage Better Sleep?
Treatment for nocturia is available, but you must choose to see a sleep dentist who is knowledgeable and trained to diagnose and recommend the appropriate method of care.
When meeting with a sleep expert for a consultation, they will want to know:
- Your medical history and the status of your current health
- What current medications are you taking
- Whether you consume fluids before bedtime or if you take naps during the day
Based on the information you provide, you can expect them to create a customized treatment plan that includes various lifestyle changes, such as:
- Cutting off fluids at a certain time in the evening
- Taking diuretics or other similar medications at another time of day (instead of right before bed)
- Wearing compression socks to encourage better fluid distribution
- Practicing pelvic floor exercises
They might also incorporate medication to help reduce your need to urinate throughout the night.
In combination, these solutions can positively impact your daily life so that you can start getting the rest you need,
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Denton, our team of specialists doesn’t just treat sleep apnea. They also treat other conditions, like nocturia. When a disorder prevents you from achieving essential rest, it can impact all aspects of your life, which is why we offer proven solutions to help minimize frequent nighttime urination and promote healthier sleep patterns. If you are waking up multiple times throughout the night to go to the bathroom, contact us today.