Waking to Urinate (Nocturia)
Nocturia, or waking to urinate, is very common. Technically, it’s described as waking more than once during the night to empty your bladder. This may happen around 2 to 4 times a night, which can be distressing and disruptive. Some people experience nocturia as a stand-alone condition, while others also experience issues during the day, such as urgency and frequency.
Many assume nocturia is a regular part of ageing, but this isn’t necessarily true. Similarly, most people put up with it for years, feeling annoyed, frustrated, tired and unrefreshed. But you shouldn’t have to live like this. Besides, waking more than once has many negative health implications. It’s associated with a fourfold risk of developing heart disease and double the risk of early death. Nocturia is also associated with falls, fractures, diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health problems and obesity.
Our postgraduate qualified pelvic health physios can help.
If you’re regularly waking at night to urinate, we have good news. In conjunction with your doctor, our postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapists can help treat this condition, and most people with nocturia can be helped. So don’t suffer in silence. Talk to our team at Pelvic Health Matters – we're always here to help.
Many assume that waking at night is a regular part of ageing, but this isn’t necessarily true. There’s no need to put up with nocturia, especially when help is available.
Common signs & symptoms of nocturia
While everyone’s different, if you suffer from nocturia, you’re probably familiar with some of the following:
- Being frustrated by your bladder waking you more than once
- Not being able to go back to sleep without visiting the toilet
- Feeling unrefreshed in the morning without the energy to do what you want.
- Finding it hard to return to sleep
- Falling asleep during the day
Risk factors & causes of nocturia
- Ageing
- Reduced bladder capacity
- Kidney function
- Menopause
- Sleep disorders
- Enlarged prostate
- Poor fluid and food habits
- Heart conditions
- Obesity
- Neurological conditions
- Urinary tract infections
- Medication
Our Proven Pathway to Treating Nocturia
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
Our first step is to learn all about you, as a whole person. So, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will gather the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: We’ll take the time to learn about you and your bladder habits. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes a pelvic floor examination, UTI screening, bladder scan, a bladder and fluid intake diary and questionnaires to understand your thoughts, feelings and environment.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your nocturia, we can explore how it all fits together. You might find that you are producing more urine overnight than normal, and that the role of sleep habits or the impact of daytime bladder habits are all contributing to your nocturia.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals such as:
- Wake only once overnight
- Wake feeling refreshed in the morning
- Have the energy to play bowls and be with friends
- Have more patience babysitting the grandkids
- Not worry about falling when I get up at night
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
This is where the action happens. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your lifestyle. You’ll learn how your bladder works, what’s not working and how to prevent your nocturia.
Then, we’ll use your bladder diary to understand more about your bladder and fluid habits. We’ll give you fluid intake advice and start bladder retraining strategies to improve your bladder capacity. We’ll also address any other identifying risk factors in conjunction with your doctor.
Next, we’ll start Pelvic Floor Muscle Training with an individualised program based on your needs. We’ll also help improve the strength and endurance of your pelvic floor muscles. Plus, we’ll talk about general exercise, healthy bowel habits and how to improve your sleep. You’ll also receive excellent tools and resources to help you progress.
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
Step 3 is all about ensuring you achieve the meaningful goals you set in the beginning. You should feel more rested and energetic, able to enjoy your favourite activities and live your best life. You might find newfound confidence to travel and stay away from home. And, you’ll be equipped with the skills to manage your bladder – without always having to return for appointments.
As you go about your life, the occasional unpredictable event might mean you want to return for a reset. You may have a setback in your general health, or your bowels could play up. Whatever the case, we’ll always be here to help you.
Read about Frank 65 yrs, Margaret 75 yrs
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Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au