Frequent nighttime urination – a sign that shouldn't be ignored.

Nocturia is a condition where a person frequently wakes up more than once to urinate. The incidence increases with age, especially in people over 50. Therefore, if you wake up to urinate more than twice during the night, you should quickly go to a medical facility for examination and health advice. This could be an early symptom of kidney disease or some physiological function problems.

Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate is a common occurrence. Many people assume it's simply a matter of drinking too much water before bed. However, according to medical specialists, if nighttime urination occurs frequently and persists, it could be a warning sign of underlying health disorders, especially in middle-aged and older adults.

Healthy adults typically do not urinate at night, or at most only once per night. When a person has to wake up two or more times to urinate, and this occurs repeatedly over several days, they are diagnosed with nocturia (frequent nighttime urination). This condition not only disrupts sleep but also directly impacts physical and mental health.

The causes of nocturia (frequent urination at night) are divided into two main groups. Physiologically, nocturia can stem from habits such as drinking large amounts of water, consuming alcohol or coffee in the evening, or taking diuretics before bedtime. These are common factors and can be adjusted through lifestyle changes.

More concerning are the pathological causes. According to Dr. Duong Thi Tu, from the Cai Nuoc Regional Health Center, frequent nighttime urination can be related to prostate enlargement in men, cystitis, urinary tract infections, urinary tract stones, or impaired kidney function. In addition, systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension can also cause nighttime urination disorders due to changes in the body's fluid regulation mechanisms.

If nighttime urination persists, patients risk facing numerous negative consequences. Constantly disrupted sleep can lead to chronic insomnia, fatigue, memory loss, physical weakness, and a reduced quality of life.

For older adults, having to wake up multiple times during the night increases the risk of falls and injuries, especially in low-light conditions. More dangerously, frequent nighttime urination can be an early sign of serious medical conditions if not detected and treated promptly .

People should see a doctor if frequent nighttime urination lasts for more than a week or if they experience other unusual symptoms such as painful urination, difficulty urinating, lower abdominal pain, back pain, blood in the urine, unexplained weight loss, leg swelling, or shortness of breath , advises Dr. Tu.

Depending on the case, the specialist will order necessary tests such as urine tests, blood tests, and ultrasound of the kidneys , bladder , and prostate to accurately determine the cause. Based on that, the patient will be treated according to the underlying cause, and will also be advised on a suitable diet and lifestyle to improve sleep and enhance long-term health.

Frequent nighttime urination is not simply a daily inconvenience. Proactive monitoring, early diagnosis, and proper treatment will help patients prevent dangerous complications, protect their health, and maintain a full night's sleep every day.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/tieu-dem-nhieu-lan-dau-hieu-khong-nen-xem-nhe-292553