Friday, March 29, 2024

Best Sleeping Position For Overactive Bladder

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Can You Prevent Having To Pee At Night

PM Yoga for Prolapse and Overactive Bladder Best Sleep Positions

There are several things that you can do to help prevent having to pee at night due to OAB. These include:

  • Reduce fluids in the evening. While its important to stay hydrated during the day, limit your intake of fluids, especially ones that contain alcohol and caffeine, in the 2 to 4 hours before you go to bed.
  • Double void before bed. Some people with OAB have trouble fully emptying their bladder. Double voiding, or emptying your bladder twice, can help. Before going to bed, empty your bladder once, wait several minutes, and then try again.
  • Avoid triggers. Some foods and drinks can irritate the bladder and may increase your need to urinate. Some that you may want to avoid, especially later in the day, are:
  • acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes

Since coping with nocturia due to OAB can be stressful, its also a good idea to make sure your bedroom is an environment that promotes sleep. A few things to consider include:

  • setting up a sleep schedule and a relaxing bedtime routine that you can stick to
  • making sure that your bedroom is dark, quiet, and a comfortable temperature
  • limiting or avoiding the use of TVs, cell phones, and computers or tablets in your bedroom
  • making sure the path to the bathroom is clear, in case you need to get up to urinate

What Constitutes An Overactive Bladder At Night

Technically speaking, an overactive bladder at night means getting up at least once a night to urinate2. However, by this definition, most people experience this condition to some extent. Therefore, its generally considered a problem when youre getting up two times a night or more to go to the toilet and/or have difficulty getting back to sleep.3

Nocturia differs from bedwetting , which typically involves the involuntary passing of urine4 and is more common in children5.

Medication As A Last Resot

Desmopression , anticholinergic medicines , and diuretic medicines are some common medical treatments. However, most doctors prefer these to be a last resort for nocturia and prefer to treat the underlying cause instead.

In those cases, treating the underlying insomnia is whats required, rather than treating the bladder, which might be an innocent bystander, Malhotra says. Nocturia might seem like a nuisance, or it might seem trivial, but in some cases, its a marker of more serious conditions. If you think you might have a problem, go talk to your doctor, because it may be a symptom of a bigger issue that can be addressed.

The good news is that nocturia often improves with long-term lifestyle changes, including sleep hygiene. Research suggests these several sleep tips can help reduce nocturia:

  • Spending fewer awake hours in bed, as longer periods of being awake can increase chances of needing to pee.

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When To See A Provider

Because enuresis can be the result of another underlying medical condition, experts recommend that all adults experiencing nighttime bedwetting see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Theyll be able to review your medical history, discuss symptoms, and perform any tests needed to get an accurate diagnosis, and they can rule out any other serious medical conditions. From there, youll be on the road to the best treatment option.

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Alternative Treatments For Nocturia

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Many people turn to complementary and alternative medicine before seeking medical help. You may also be interested in alternative medications or treatments for nocturia, but there are few studies to support their use. These treatments may work for nocturia, but only if OAB is the cause.

For example, research has found that:

  • herbal medications have a positive impact on symptoms of OAB and quality of life
  • acupuncture provides short-term relief for OAB symptoms
  • homeopathic remedies may have benefits, but need more studies
  • alternative treatments have fewer side effects than medications
  • saw palmetto berry extract has no benefit for nocturia

But more research is needed to confirm if CAM works for OAB.

Always talk to your doctor before trying a supplement or alternative treatment. Certain CAM treatments can cause unintended side effects, especially if youre already taking medication.

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How Can You Manage An Overactive Bladder At Night

While unpleasant, an overactive bladder at night is controllable. Tips for managing the symptoms of nocturia vary from home remedies and lifestyle changes to medical interventions . When initially seeking advice from a medical professional, it can be useful to keep a voiding diary beforehand. This is a record of how much liquid you drink and how often you go to the toilet, which can help a doctor diagnose your issue. It may also include:

  • how much wee comes out when you go to the loo
  • which medications you take
  • other symptoms, such as fatigue.14

What Are The Best Sleeping Positions If You Have An Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder refers to a group of urinary symptoms, the most prominent of which is a sudden, urgent need to urinate.

Research has estimated that its prevalence in the United States is between 16.5 and 35.6 percent.

OAB happens when your bladder muscles involuntarily contract when your bladder isnt full. While the exact cause is unknown, this may happen due to improper signaling between your brain and bladder. It may also be caused by bladder muscles that are too active.

Living with OAB can greatly impact your quality of life since it may be hard to do daily activities without frequent trips to the bathroom. Because OAB can come on suddenly, you may also feel anxious if youre not close to a bathroom.

Sleep can also be affected. Its estimated that 85.6 percent of people with OAB have nocturia, which is when you wake up multiple times at night to urinate. Poor sleep can have negative consequences on both your physical and mental health.

If you have OAB, you may be wondering if certain sleep positions may help reduce your need to urinate at night. Keep reading as we explore this topic and other ways to promote a good nights sleep with OAB.

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Sleep Apnea And Erectile Dysfunction

Although, it might be surprising the stress of sleep apnea can contribute to a lot of issues with your internal plumbing, including erectile dysfunction and a decreased sex drive.

Yes, sleep apnea is linked with erectile dysfunction and a lowered sex drive. Although we still dont know the exact cause, we do know that having sleep apnea usually leads to a decrease in testosterone, which is important for having a healthy erection. Also, it is suggested that the sleep deprivation from sleep apnea causes fatigue, which also plays a role in the lowered sex drive in people, explained Dr. Haissam Dahan, DMD, MSc, Ph.D., lecturer at Harvard and McGill University.

When the feeling is right, it can be ruined by the stress and fatigue brought on by sleep deprivation can quickly put the fire out. Plus, as well as decreased testosterone, sleep apnea can also lead to decreased oxygen, which is needed for a healthy erection.

Consider A Natural Supplement

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If you are wary of pharmaceuticals, there are some natural remedies that might bring you some more nighttime bladder control. Clinical trials conducted in Japan have revealed the bladder benefits of pumpkin seed oil it was shown to reduce nighttime incontinence by almost 70%.

Other plant-derived supplements include palmetto, cornsilk and bromelain . However, just like any medication, natural remedies can be powerful and could interact with your other OAB treatments, so be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor before visiting your naturopath.

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What Is Your Best Mattress

Select a firm mattress or an ensemble that does not sag. If necessary, place a board under your beds mattress. You can also set the mattress on the floor temporarily if needed. If youve always slept on a soft surface, it may be initially painful to change to a more rigid shell. Try to do whats most comfortable for you.

How To Get Back To Sleep After A Middle

Before we dive into how to stop waking up, there are things you can do to minimize the impact of a late-night pee break. Most importantly, your nighttime bathroom trip should stay lowkey. Avoid turning on the bathroom lights, if possible, ideally by using blue-light-free nightlights , or rely on moonlight to light your path as you slowly make your way to the bathroom.

Take your time to avoid getting amped up, and dont stress about it, or youll risk a bit of adrenaline that will make it harder to fall back asleep. If youre worried about slipping, be sure to wear slippers with friction and not socks.

And as you crawl back into bed, try to avoid drinking more water or getting distracted by anything in your room. Really focus on relaxing and falling back asleep with a mind free of distractions. If you need help, try box breathing or sleep affirmations.

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Finding The Right Position May Require Some Work

According to the Cleveland Clinic, finding nighttime relief from sciatica pain starts with figuring out what is causing your pain and where it is located. Seeing your doctor or a physical therapist can help you identify the source of your sciatica discomfort. Once you have an idea of where the pain is coming from, you can determine the most comfortable position to relieve it.

For many people who live with sciatica, sleeping on their back seems to be a good option, as it relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back . If you want to try this position, you should elevate the knees with one or more pillows and make sure your neck is supported by a pillow as well.

Some also report that sleeping on their side helps take away some of the discomfort of sciatica. According to Healthline, side-sleepers should lie with the affected side on top. This means that, if your sciatica affects your left side, you should sleep on your right, and vice versa. You also might want to consider placing a pillow between your waist and the mattress to keep your side from bending.

Best Sleep Position For Overactive Bladder

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There are a few things to consider when trying to find the best sleep position for overactive bladder. One is to find a position that will put the least amount of pressure on the bladder. Another is to avoid positions that will cause the bladder to become compressed. Sleeping on your back may be a good option, as it allows the bladder to fall away from the body and prevents it from becoming compressed. You may also want to try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs to keep the pressure off of your bladder.

Eighteen percent of adults over the age of 18 have overactive bladders. People with OAB frequently require frequent urination several times per night due to nocturia. If you want to learn what Kegel exercise feels like, start with a start and then stop. According to a urogynecologist, approximately 15% of patients on OAB report incontinence during sex. In addition to avoiding discomfort or embarrassment during sex, you can alleviate it by doing some things. Eat only foods and beverages that irritate the bladder and double-vow as much as possible. There are several treatments for OAB, including behavioral modification, medication, and surgical interventions.

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When To See A Doctor

Sleep is important for both your physical and mental health. Poor sleep can impact your alertness and memory, increase your stress levels, and raise your risk of health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Make an appointment with a doctor if you find that your OAB symptoms cause you to frequently get up to use the bathroom at night. They can recommend methods to help reduce your urinary frequency.

Its also a good idea to talk with a doctor if the strategies youre currently using to prevent nocturia become less effective or stop working. Its possible that your OAB treatment plan may need to be adjusted.

Make Movement A Priority

Another proven sleep booster is activity throughout the day, says Dr. Williams. Not only can regular movement improve OAB-related issues, he adds, its also been found to be beneficial for a range of other health effects. That includes lower levels of inflammation, more uplifted mood, better energy, improved circulation, and better gut health. There seems to be no end to the advantages of exercise, and that doesnt always mean a structured workout, he says. All movement counts, so take more breaks during the day and take a walk or do some stretches.

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What We Know Now About Oab & Osa

Even though both of the above studies secured similar results about the relationship between overactive bladder and sleep apnea, researchers still do not know how overactive bladder and OSA are related or which one might influence the other. However, scientists say that the studies have clinical implications: when a patient is diagnosed with OSA, he or she should be screened by a doctor to look for signs of OAB so that that health condition can also be treated.

Home Remedies And Lifestyle Changes

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In addition to medical options, you could consider changes to your day-to-day life to improve your nightly urges to go to the loo. These include:

  • limiting how much your drink right before bed
  • avoid certain foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder, including:
  • acidic foods, such as tomatoes
  • artificial sweeteners
  • double-void before sleep this means going for a second wee before you get into bed, even if you dont need to
  • if you experience swelling in your legs, make sure to elevate them during the day or wear support stockings
  • improve sleep hygiene by making your bedroom the right temperature and dark enough19
  • quit smoking, as this can cause frequent urination20.
  • In addition, appropriate continence products, such as iD Pants Maxi, can help capture any leaks. These unisex comfortable and discreet incontinence pants have odour control and are super absorbent, meaning you can put concerns of overnight leaks to bed.

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    Best Sleeping Positions After A Hysterectomy

    Sleep is a universal balm, and theres probably not an adult alive who doesnt wish they had more of it. Sleep is good for just about every aspect of our health, including healing and recovery. This makes good sleep critical for anyone who has undergone major surgery, including hysterectomies.

    The best sleeping positions after a hysterectomy are on either your back or on your side, supported by a well-placed pillow. Finding the right sleeping position can help you sleep better by alleviating pain, discomfort and painful gas.

    Keep reading to learn how to properly implement these sleeping positions to help aid your recovery. First, well briefly explore hysterectomies and their relationship to sleep.

    What Is Urinary Incontinence Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention

    Urinary incontinence , the involuntary loss of urine, is a very common condition that no one wants to talk about. Because of the stigma that surrounds it, many people are too humiliated to seek help. But most conditions that cause UI can be corrected with medical or alternative interventions.

    Occurring much more often in women than men, UI happens when the muscles in the bladder that control the flow of urine contract or relax involuntarily, resulting in leaks or uncontrolled urination. UI itself is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of an underlying medical issue.

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    Forms Of Urinary Incontinence That Affect Men Only

    Side Sleep For Sleep Apnea

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    Sleep apnea has been linked to OAB symptoms in both men and women. This may be due to the effects of apnea events, which can cause low tissue oxygen in the body, including in the urinary system. However, more research is still needed.

    If you have sleep apnea and OAB, sleeping on your side may help. Its estimated that moving from sleeping on the back to sleeping on the side can eliminate sleep apnea symptoms in about 20 percent of people.

    Managing sleep apnea can also help with your OAB symptoms. A 2021 study found that participants who used continuous positive airway pressure or surgery for sleep apnea had a significant reduction in OAB symptoms.

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    How Many Times Is Normal To Urinate At Night

    Not everyone is the same, and there are factors that determine what is normal for most people. For example, nighttime urination is more common if you have something to drink right before bed, and is also more common in older adults. Most people without nocturia can sleep for 6 to 8 hours without having to urinate, but getting up to go to the bathroom once during the night is still within the realm of normal. If you have to use the restroom two or more times per night, it is a good idea to talk to your urologist about nocturia.

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