If your bladder keeps you up at night

Some people can't get through the night without going to the toilet. If that's once a night, it's still doable. But if it happens several times a night, it seriously affects your sleep.

The name for having to go to the toilet several times at night is nycturia (sometimes nocturia). Nocturia is when you have to go to the toilet twice or more in one night. Nocturia is not a disease in itself, but is usually caused by an underlying problem.

Read also: Toilet inconveniences at the campsite

Causes

• A first step is to drink less before going to sleep. For some people the solution is that simple.
• Having to get out of bed a lot to urinate can also have another cause:bladder infection, diabetes, a side effect of medication.
• In men around 50, it can be the first sign of a growing prostate.
• Furthermore, edema can ensure that when you lie down, the fluid is carried through your bloodstream to your bladder and you therefore have to urinate.

What if nocturia becomes a problem?

Not everyone experiences nocturia as a problem, but if it persists, your night's sleep suffers and that can affect your daily life. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Sometimes nocturia is caused by an underlying problem, once that is solved, the nightly toilet visit will no longer be necessary. Medication can also sometimes help.