Expert Advice: Why Am I Getting up to Pee So Much At Night?

Getting up to pee quite often these days? You're not alone — many women go through periods of frequent trips to the bathroom as they get older. So, it's common, but you don't have to live with it. (That would be far less than ideal, since it can really disrupt a good night's sleep.) Here, Dr. Heather Moday answered a reader's question about frequent pee trips.

Meet our expert.

Heather Moday, MD, is director of the Moday Center in Philadelphia. She is board-certified in allergy and immunology, as well as integrative and holistic medicine. You can follow her on Instagram (@theimmunitymd), where she shares information on health topics. And to ask her a question here, send an email to health@firstforwomen.com.

Why do I pee so much at night?

Q: I usually have to get up once to go to the bathroom at night, but lately it’s been two or three times. What’s going on?

A: You’re not alone: About 40 percent of women struggle with nocturia, or an overactive bladder that causes nighttime awakenings. And colder weather can increase the risk that you’ll wake up to “go” since lower temperatures trigger bladder muscles to contract. Thankfully, a few simple tweaks can help you sleep through the night.

Try elevating your legs for an hour before bed. Doing so can help your body eliminate fluid that can pool in your feet, ankles and calves throughout the day, sending it to your bladder for elimination before you fall asleep.

FIRST tip: Another good idea is to speak with a pelvic floor therapist. A therapist will be able to properly diagnose your overactive bladder and offer the right therapy techniques for your symptoms.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.