A doctor has warned that a common bedtime habit could worsen some urinary system symptoms and affect sleep quality.
According to Dr Amir Khan, many people tend to go to the toilet "just in case" before going to bed or before leaving the house, but this behavior can have the opposite effect to what is intended.
How does this habit affect the body?
The doctor explains that the frequency of urination depends on many factors such as fluid intake, caffeine, temperature and stress level. However, frequent urination without a real need can affect the normal functioning of the bladder.
He points out that the bladder works like a muscle that communicates with the brain through nerve signals when it is full. Normally, this signal is activated when the bladder reaches about 300–500 ml of urine.
But, according to him, frequent urination "just in case" can teach the body to react earlier, making the bladder more sensitive and increasing the feeling of urgency to go to the toilet.
Possible negative effects
Dr. Khan compares this process to a highly sensitive car alarm that goes off even when there is no real danger. Over time, the bladder can start to send false signals, creating a frequent need to urinate even when it is not necessary.
This can lead to nighttime awakenings and, in some cases, worsen urinary control problems.
How can the situation be improved?
According to the doctor, the solution lies in "retraining" the bladder. He recommends reducing unnecessary urination before bed and maintaining a more regular interval of about 3–4 hours between visits to the toilet.
In an emergency, he advises stopping for a few moments, taking a deep breath, and waiting for the feeling to pass before going to the toilet.
He also suggests avoiding caffeine in the evening, reducing fluids before bed, and performing pelvic floor muscle exercises, which can help strengthen bladder control.
According to him, the first improvements can be noticed within 2–4 weeks, while more lasting results require 6–12 weeks.
When to seek medical help
The NHS advises that people with persistent urinary control problems should contact their GP, stressing that this is a common condition and should not be cause for shame. Early diagnosis helps to better manage symptoms. /GazetaExpress/