The culprit? Drinking too much!

For example, a patient who came to our clinic today reported consuming about 4 liters of fluids daily, including 1.5 liters of sugary juice. Unsurprisingly, their blood sugar levels were poorly controlled, and they were concerned that their medication wasn’t working. However, the issue wasn’t the medication—it was overconsumption of fluids.

What You Should Try First If You Have Nocturia

Start by keeping a voiding diary.

How to Record a Voiding Diary 📓

Write down the time and the approximate amount of urine each time you go to the bathroom.

Example:

• 12:00 AM: 300 ml

• 2:00 AM: 300 ml

• 4:00 AM: 250 ml

• 6:00 AM: 200 ml

In this example, the person urinated 1,050 ml overnight. This much urine suggests they are likely consuming a lot of fluids during the day. For many people, simply adjusting their fluid intake can improve their symptoms significantly.

If You’re Not Drinking Excessively but Still Produce a Lot of Urine at Night

This might be related to fluid redistribution in the body, particularly common among people who sit for long periods during the day.

When you sit or stand for long hours, fluid tends to accumulate in your lower body. When you lie down at night, this fluid returns to the bloodstream, passes through the heart, and is filtered by the kidneys, resulting in more urine production.

Tips for Managing This Type of Nocturia

• Lie down during the day

Taking even a short break to lie down on your back can help reduce the amount of urine your body produces at night.

Other Possible Causes

Certain underlying conditions or habits can also contribute to nocturia, such as:

• Excessive salt intake

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Heart failure

• Kidney failure

If you notice swelling in your legs (e.g., pressing your shin leaves a dent that doesn’t immediately bounce back), you should consult an internal medicine specialist for further evaluation.

Hormonal Factors

The body produces an antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) from the pituitary gland, which helps reduce urine output. However, the secretion of this hormone can be suppressed by:

• Lack of exercise

• Stress

• Sleep disorders

• Caffeine consumption

• Alcohol intake

If any of these lifestyle factors apply to you, addressing them may help alleviate your nocturia.

Summary

If you’re experiencing nocturia, start by keeping a voiding diary to understand your situation. In many cases, adjusting fluid intake or addressing lifestyle factors can lead to improvement.

Nocturia is more than an inconvenience—it can increase the risk of nighttime falls and fractures. If symptoms persist, it’s crucial to check for underlying health conditions with a doctor and consider lifestyle changes or specialized treatments as needed.

Nocturia can significantly impact your quality of life, but with the right approach, you can regain restful nights!