If 24-hour home care notices that a senior is up all night going to the bathroom, it could be a sign of nocturia. They may be experiencing daytime fatigue because they are up so much going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The elderly do experience going to the bathroom more in the middle of the night for several reasons. If 24-hour home care has questions about this condition, keep on reading.
Nocturia is the clinical term for frequent urination in the elderly at night. Although the condition is prevalent as we age, it is frequently underreported and undertreated. Men and women alike may experience frequent urination during the night. Female and male elderly patients are frequently diagnosed with nocturnal polyuria, a type of nocturia. Individuals with this condition produce a large amount of urine at night. Their urinary output is normal, if not decreased, throughout the day.
Many elderly people experience daytime fluid retention in their feet and legs. When you lie down at night, the fluid in your lower extremities is no longer pooled. Gravity’s effects are diminished when your feet and legs are elevated. Nighttime urinary volume increases as trapped fluid are recirculated throughout the body.
What Causes Nocturia?
There are a few things that may cause nocturia in seniors, this may include habits, illnesses, or other things that the senior may not be able to control. Here are some things that may cause nocturia.
- Consumption of large amounts of fluid prior to going to bed.
- Alcohol and caffeine consumption, particularly in the evening.
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypertension
- Congestive Failure of the Heart
- Disorders of Sleep
- Diseases of the Valves
- Reduced bladder capacity at night
- Diuretic drugs
Now that you know what causes nocturia there may be some things you can do to help your senior. Here is how you can help your senior fight going to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
How to Stop Nocturia
There are some easier lifestyle changes a senior can make but if it persists senior home care may suggest they go to a doctor. The doctor will prescribe medication that can help kidneys produce less urine which will help a senior go to the bathroom less and get a full night of sleep. If it is an underlying illness causing this, that illness will be treated first and then it should help rid a senior of nocturia. Firstly, 24-hour home care can help the older adult try these natural ways first.
Stop Drinking Water
Before bed a senior should drink less water. During the day it is safe to drink water, but two to four hours before bed they should restrict water intake.
Diuretics
Some seniors will take diuretics and these will increase urination if taken too close to bedtime. They should always take these six hours before bed. 24-hour home care can help remind a senior to take their medication but cannot handle the medicine themselves.
Elevate Legs
Fluids can build up in a senior’s legs. Proper elevation can help drain the fluid and keep their urination habits regular.
Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14510-nocturia