Decreasing Night Time Urinary Output For a Better Night's Rest

Tips for decreasing night time urinary output. 

One of the concerns many incontinent individuals have is that of not getting adequate rest as a result of night time urinary output. The urge to go, leaking, etc can interrupt sleep, leaving individuals tired, groggy, and often cranky as a result. The following are tips for decreasing night time urinary output for a better night’s rest:

Tip one: Talk to your doctor.

Most incontinent women wait an average of 6 years from the time of their first episode before talking to a doctor. For men it is closer to 4 years. Stop waiting. If you have urinary incontinence, talk to your doctor to see if there is an underlying cause or contributing factors. It is not an inevitable part of aging, or a “normal” thing, and it can often be treated. Your doctor can rule out infection with a simple urine test, and help you determine the cause so that you can more easily reduce the symptoms.

In addition, a physician can take a look at your medications and determine if any of them are contributing to your nighttime urination. For example, some medications make it more difficult to void completely, which may result in more frequent waking. Other medications are diuretics, increasing the need to urinate, and while they may not be avoided, it is possible that you could take them in the morning to lessen the effect, or switch kinds to help with symptoms. A physician will make that call.

Tip two: Control your fluid intake.

Dehydration is not the answer to decreased interruption to sleep, but controlling your intake can help. Avoid drinking too much before bed. In fact, it is best to cut yourself off an hour or so before you intend to go to sleep. However, beverages are not the only culprits. Fluid-rich foods, like salads and soups can also contribute to increased urinary output at night. Try to not eat or drink anything a couple hours before bed, and be sure to use the bathroom before you go to sleep.

Some individuals need to use the bathroom several times before going to bed. Just make sure you void completely if you can, allowing yourself a longer period of time before needing to go again.

Tip three: Avoid triggers.

Certain foods can increase the urge to go, and can lead to more night time waking. Caffeine should be avoided in the evenings, as should alcohol, citrus juices, and smoking. These can all increase the need to go as they act as natural diuretics.

Tip four: Reduce fluid build-up.

Fluid build up can result in waking during the night to void, you can help to reduce this build up by taking an afternoon nap, elevating the legs while sitting, and using compression socks.

If you can do these things, you will decrease the number of times you have to get up in the night, and can get a better night’s rest. In addition, night time absorbent products can help, as well as bed liners and pads to protect the mattress and bedding from leaks. 

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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