Nighttime urination – when is it normal and when is it a signal of a problem?

Waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom isn’t always a cause for concern. However, if it starts to happen frequently or disrupts your sleep and daily routine, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Understanding the difference between normal and abnormal nighttime urination — known as nocturia — can help you determine when it’s time to see a doctor.

What is considered normal?

Most healthy adults can sleep through the night without needing to urinate. It’s not uncommon to wake up once, especially after drinking more fluids in the evening or consuming alcohol and caffeine. In fact, getting up once a night to urinate is considered normal, especially as you age.

As we age, the body produces less of the hormone that retains fluid, and the bladder’s capacity can decrease. That’s why people over 60 are more likely to develop nocturia.

When is it considered abnormal?

Bedwetting becomes a problem if it happens two or more times each night on a regular basis, especially if it interferes with sleep or leads to daytime fatigue. Signs that it’s more than usual include:

Frequent nighttime awakenings for no apparent reason (for example, excessive fluid intake).

A strong or painful urge to urinate at night.

Poor sleep or feeling exhausted during the day due to nighttime visits to the toilet.

Increased amount of urine at night ( nocturnal polyuria ).

Increased frequency of urination during the day.

Common causes of nocturia

A variety of medical and everyday factors can contribute to unusual nighttime urination:

Overactive bladder (OAB): The bladder muscles contract too frequently, leading to constant urges.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Cause burning and an increased need to urinate.

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels increase urine production, including at night.

READ MORE IN NEXT PAGE