Frequent Urination at Night: Diabetes, Kidney Disease, or Something Else?

Do you wake up several times at night to go to the bathroom? Although an occasional visit is not out of the ordinary, frequent nighttime urination, also known as nocturia, may indicate a hidden medical condition that must be addressed. For others, it's simply a matter of consuming too much water (or booze, tea, or coffee) at bedtime. But when it occurs on a regular basis, it might be a sign that indicates something more serious such as diabetes, kidney illness, or even cardiac issues.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, General Physician and Internal Medicine Specialist, Shardacare, Health City - Noida, explained the hidden signs that your body is screaming for help and the sign it’s giving out is frequent nighttime urination. Read ahead to know what he shared with us.

Causes Of of Frequent Nighttime Urination

Dr Tyagi highlighted that there are several reasons why you are dealing with frequent nighttime urination. These may include:

• Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2): Excess blood sugar levels cause your kidneys to work harder, resulting in more urine. Nighttime urination can often be one of the first indications.
• Kidney Disease: If your kidneys are not functioning well to filter, your body's fluid balance is upset, causing nighttime bathroom visits.
• Heart Conditions: When your heart cannot pump properly, fluid accumulates in the legs during the day but moves to the bladder at night when in a supine position.
• Prostate Issues (for men): An enlarged prostate can push against the bladder, leading to excessive urges.
• Overactive Bladder or Infections: Urinary tract infections and bladder issues can also cause this.

Also Read: Always Cold Hands And Feet? Here’s What Your Body Might Be Trying to Tell You

When to Be Concerned With Nighttime Urination

If you're waking up more than twice a night most nights, pay attention. Some other warning signs to heed are:

• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in the feet or ankles
• Pain or burning while urinating

What You Can Do

However, while there are multiple causes of frequent nighttime urination, there are multiple things you can do to fix it. Such as:

• Scan your lifestyle habits: Cut back on evening caffeine and booze, don't drink large quantities of water close to bedtime.
• Monitor your symptoms: Write down how often you wake up and whether you observe other changes.
• See a doctor: Recurrent nocturia is worth a medical check to exclude diabetes, kidney disease, or other causes.

Bottomline

Nocturnal urination is not only a sleep disruptor, but it might be the way your body signals to you that something is wrong with a more serious health issue. Pay attention; the earlier you find out the reason, the better your odds of preserving your future health. If you suspect anything unusual or concerning, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications and secure help soon.