Latest news with #sleepdeprivation
Health Line
13 hours ago
- General
- Health Line
Excessive Urination at Night (Nocturia): Causes and Treatment
Nocturia, or nocturnal polyuria, is the medical term for excessive urination at night. Nighttime peeing is considered excessive if it's disruptive to your sleep. During sleep time, your body produces less urine that is more concentrated. This means that most people don't need to wake up during the night to urinate and can sleep uninterrupted for 6 to 8 hours. However, some people may need to urinate more often during nighttime hours. And this frequent need to pee during the night may require treatment if it's causing long-term sleep deprivation. While it is more common among older adults, nocturia can occur at any age. Read on to learn more about nocturia, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies. What causes nocturia? Nocturia can happen as a result of certain lifestyle choices or medical conditions. Medical conditions A variety of medical conditions can cause nocturia. Common causes of nocturia are a urinary tract infection (UTI) (UTI) or bladder infection. These infections cause frequent burning sensations and urgent urination throughout the day and night. Treatment requires antibiotics. Other medical conditions that can cause nocturia include: Nocturia is also common in people with organ failure, such as heart or liver failure. Pregnancy Nocturia is a fairly common symptom of pregnancy. It can develop at the beginning of pregnancy, but it also happens later, when the growing womb presses against the bladder. Medications Some medications may cause nocturia as a side effect. This is particularly true of diuretics (water pills), which are prescribed to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or any type of fluid retention. You should seek emergency medical care from a doctor if you lose the ability to urinate or if you can no longer control your urination. Lifestyle choices Urinating too much over 24 hours is called polyuria, which can be caused by excessive fluid consumption, typically more than 40 milliliters per kilogram (mL/kg) per day. As part of that, you may also have nocturia or excessive urination at night. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages are also diuretics, meaning drinking them causes your body to produce even more urine. Therefore, consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages in excess can lead to nighttime waking and needing to urinate. Other people who have nocturia may have developed a habit of waking up during the night to urinate. How do doctors diagnose nocturia? Diagnosing the cause of nocturia can be difficult. Your doctor will need to ask a variety of questions. The doctor will also usually ask you to record what you drink and how much, along with how often you need to urinate in a 24-hour period. Questions your doctor may ask you also include: When did the nocturia start? How many times per night do you have to urinate? Are you producing less urine than you did before? Do you have accidents, or have you wet the bed? Does anything make the problem worse? Do you have any other symptoms? What medications are you taking? Do you have a family history of bladder problems or diabetes? They may also have you undergo testing such as: blood sugar test to check for diabetes other blood tests for blood counts and blood chemistry urinalysis urine culture fluid deprivation test imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans urological tests, like cystoscopy tests to check if your bladder is fully emptying when you urinate How is nocturia treated? If your nocturia is caused by a medication, taking the medication earlier in the day may help. Treatment for nocturia can sometimes include medications such as: anticholinergic drugs, which help lessen the symptoms of an overactive bladder. However, recent research has associated these drugs with an increased risk of dementia in older people. Beta-3 adrenoceptor agonists, like mirabegron (Myrbetriq), can help relax the bladder muscles and reduce symptoms of overactive bladder desmopressin (Nocdurna), which causes your kidneys to produce less urine at night However, nocturia can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as diabetes or a UTI, that could worsen or spread if left untreated. Nocturia due to an underlying condition will usually stop when the condition is successfully treated. What can you do to prevent nocturia? There are steps you can take to lessen the effects of nocturia on your life. Reducing the amount of liquids you drink 4 to 6 hours before going to bed can help prevent you from needing to urinate at night. Avoiding drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine may also help, as can urinating before you go to bed. Some foods, such as chocolate, spicy foods, acidic foods, and artificial sweeteners, can irritate the bladder. Kegel exercises and pelvic floor physical therapy can help strengthen your pelvic muscles and improve bladder control. Pay close attention to what makes your symptoms worse so you can try to modify your habits accordingly. Some people find it helpful to keep a diary of what they drink and when.
Daily Telegraph
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Telegraph
‘Sleep separations' are increasing in popularity, new data shows
Don't miss out on the headlines from Illness. Followed categories will be added to My News. There's been a dramatic spike in the number of couples agreeing to part ways in the bedroom as Australia's growing sleep crisis worsens. New data shows that nearly one in three Australians struggling to fall or stay asleep three or more times a week, sparking a rise in the number of couples who have embarked on a 'sleep divorce', opting to get their nightly rest in separate beds or rooms – despite ongoing stigma surrounding the decision. The research, conducted by leading sleep device manufacturer ResMed for its 2025 Global Sleep Survey, has revealed sleep deprivation is so bad that almost 1 in 5 (18 per cent) of Australians have called in sick. But shockingly, 41 per cent of Aussies are choosing to 'just live with' with the consequences of a bad night's kip, almost double the global average. 'This year's Resmed Global Sleep Survey found that the top factors causing Australians to have a poor night's sleep are stress (47 per cent), followed by anxiety (42 per cent) and financial pressures (26 per cent),' Dr. Alison Wimms, Director of Medical Affairs for the company, told 'Screen time, and inconsistent routines also widely affect sleep in Australia.' Some of those not willing to put up with a poor night's sleep have decided to embark on a 'sleep divorce', with 61 per cent of Aussies who have ditched their partner at bedtime reporting a better sleep quality. '26 per cent said it improved their relationship, and almost 16 per cent noted a positive impact on their sex life,' Dr. Wimms added. 'Sleeping separately can also improve sleep quality by reducing disturbances from different schedules, snoring, or movement during sleep.' Australia is caught in a sleep crisis, with nearly one in three Australians struggling to fall or stay asleep three or more times a week. Picture: iStock However sleeping separately does not work for everybody, with 38 per cent of the 1 in 5 Australians who opted for a sleep separation – often due to snoring and restlessness – stating said they felt their quality of sleep got worse or remained the same. Alarmingly, almost 1 in 5 of those who have split up at night said they felt their relationship and sex life took a turn for the worse after sleeping apart. Sydney couple's therapist Shahn Baker Sorekli however warns that while a sleep separation 'can be helpful in some circumstances', he doesn't always recommend it. 'The main reason is coming together at the end of the night allows for a bit of a nice routine for the relationship where you can have a moment of connection and intimacy,' podcast, From the Newsroom. 'I'm not talking about, you know, long deepened meaningfuls in bed. It might just be a little snuggle, might just be reading next to each other, but kind of coming together at the end of the night. 'Being a couple, just unwinding is just a nice point of connection. And if you can maintain a good sleep routine together, it can just be really healthy for the relationship. So you close off the world, you in your room together, snuggling away.' Some couples who sleep apart rave about the benefits of a 'sleep divorce'. Picture: Instagram/AnnieKnight But experts warn it isn't for everyone and can have an impact on intimacy. Picture: Instagram/Lisa Wipfli The clinical psychologist, who authored relationship book The 8 Love Links, said that for those who find sleeping apart 'improves sleep quality it's absolutely a good idea'. 'For example, if one person is a really restless sleeper or somebody has a problem with snoring or perhaps somebody does shift work... and it going to add to the relationship tension, that's when it's a good idea,' he shared. 'You've just got to be careful not to get into any kind of the pitfalls around it. Dr Wimms noted that it is often women who report poorer sleep quality and higher rates of mood disruptions than men, explaining the gap was noticeable. '38 per cent of Australian women struggle to fall asleep at least 3 nights a week, compared to 26 per cent of men,' she explained. 'This is consistent with global numbers where we see women consistently report more sleep challenges. This may be due to hormonal changes through the month, caregiving responsibilities, or higher stress loads. 'While 4 in 10 Australian women say that their sleep is disrupted by their partner at least a few times a week, most often because of snoring or loud breathing, compared to 28 per cent of men.' The ResMed 2025 Global Sleep Survey concluded that sleep has become the 'silent casualty of modern lives'. Picture: iStock The report concluded that sleep has become the 'silent casualty of our busy modern lifestyles', noting the 'lines between work and home more blurred than ever'. Pressures such as the rising cost of living in Australia are also building, resulting in poor sleep across the nation. But it's not all bad news, with ResMed stating that Australians have become more curious about how they sleep, with 33 per cent monitoring their sleep, up from 18 per cent last year. 'This increased curiosity, however, has revealed a gap in action with a staggering 41 per cent of Aussies saying they would just live with poor sleep,' Dr. Wimms said. 'This is higher than the 22 per cent globally who indicated that they would do the same. This gap makes it vital for us to drive awareness of the importance of not just knowing, but taking action to improve your sleep health. 'This could be as simple as raising your sleep in a conversation with your healthcare provider or taking an online sleep assessment to learn more about what may be causing your poor sleep.' Those who have spoken out in the past about the benefits of sleeping separately to their partner include Michael and Lisa Wipfli, Sunrise host Edwina Bartholomew and her husband Neil Varcoe as well as popular porn star Annie Knight who recently announced she sleeps in a separate bed to her new fiance Henry Brayshaw. Originally published as 'Sleep separations' are increasing in popularity, new data shows
News.com.au
3 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
‘Sleep separations' are increasing in popularity, new data shows
There's been a dramatic spike in the number of couples agreeing to part ways in the bedroom as Australia's growing sleep crisis worsens. New data shows that nearly one in three Australians struggling to fall or stay asleep three or more times a week, sparking a rise in the number of couples who have embarked on a 'sleep divorce', opting to get their nightly rest in separate beds or rooms – despite ongoing stigma surrounding the decision. The research, conducted by leading sleep device manufacturer ResMed for its 2025 Global Sleep Survey, has revealed sleep deprivation is so bad that almost 1 in 5 (18 per cent) of Australians have called in sick. But shockingly, 41 per cent of Aussies are choosing to 'just live with' with the consequences of a bad night's kip, almost double the global average. 'This year's Resmed Global Sleep Survey found that the top factors causing Australians to have a poor night's sleep are stress (47 per cent), followed by anxiety (42 per cent) and financial pressures (26 per cent),' Dr. Alison Wimms, Director of Medical Affairs for the company, told 'Screen time, and inconsistent routines also widely affect sleep in Australia.' Some of those not willing to put up with a poor night's sleep have decided to embark on a 'sleep divorce', with 61 per cent of Aussies who have ditched their partner at bedtime reporting a better sleep quality. '26 per cent said it improved their relationship, and almost 16 per cent noted a positive impact on their sex life,' Dr. Wimms added. 'Sleeping separately can also improve sleep quality by reducing disturbances from different schedules, snoring, or movement during sleep.' However sleeping separately does not work for everybody, with 38 per cent of the 1 in 5 Australians who opted for a sleep separation – often due to snoring and restlessness – stating said they felt their quality of sleep got worse or remained the same. Alarmingly, almost 1 in 5 of those who have split up at night said they felt their relationship and sex life took a turn for the worse after sleeping apart. Sydney couple's therapist Shahn Baker Sorekli however warns that while a sleep separation 'can be helpful in some circumstances', he doesn't always recommend it. 'The main reason is coming together at the end of the night allows for a bit of a nice routine for the relationship where you can have a moment of connection and intimacy,' podcast, From the Newsroom. 'I'm not talking about, you know, long deepened meaningfuls in bed. It might just be a little snuggle, might just be reading next to each other, but kind of coming together at the end of the night. 'Being a couple, just unwinding is just a nice point of connection. And if you can maintain a good sleep routine together, it can just be really healthy for the relationship. So you close off the world, you in your room together, snuggling away.' The clinical psychologist, who authored relationship book The 8 Love Links, said that for those who find sleeping apart 'improves sleep quality it's absolutely a good idea'. 'For example, if one person is a really restless sleeper or somebody has a problem with snoring or perhaps somebody does shift work... and it going to add to the relationship tension, that's when it's a good idea,' he shared. 'You've just got to be careful not to get into any kind of the pitfalls around it. Dr Wimms noted that it is often women who report poorer sleep quality and higher rates of mood disruptions than men, explaining the gap was noticeable. '38 per cent of Australian women struggle to fall asleep at least 3 nights a week, compared to 26 per cent of men,' she explained. 'This is consistent with global numbers where we see women consistently report more sleep challenges. This may be due to hormonal changes through the month, caregiving responsibilities, or higher stress loads. 'While 4 in 10 Australian women say that their sleep is disrupted by their partner at least a few times a week, most often because of snoring or loud breathing, compared to 28 per cent of men.' The report concluded that sleep has become the 'silent casualty of our busy modern lifestyles', noting the 'lines between work and home more blurred than ever'. Pressures such as the rising cost of living in Australia are also building, resulting in poor sleep across the nation. But it's not all bad news, with ResMed stating that Australians have become more curious about how they sleep, with 33 per cent monitoring their sleep, up from 18 per cent last year. 'This increased curiosity, however, has revealed a gap in action with a staggering 41 per cent of Aussies saying they would just live with poor sleep,' Dr. Wimms said. 'This is higher than the 22 per cent globally who indicated that they would do the same. This gap makes it vital for us to drive awareness of the importance of not just knowing, but taking action to improve your sleep health. 'This could be as simple as raising your sleep in a conversation with your healthcare provider or taking an online sleep assessment to learn more about what may be causing your poor sleep.' Those who have spoken out in the past about the benefits of sleeping separately to their partner include Michael and Lisa Wipfli, Sunrise host Edwina Bartholomew and her husband Neil Varcoe as well as popular porn star Annie Knight who recently announced she sleeps in a separate bed to her new fiance Henry Brayshaw.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Feeling negative or impulsive? You might be sleep deprived
Neuroscientist Russell Foster says a lack of sleep can reduce empathy and increase focus on negative experiences. Dr Foster spoke at the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, which has partnered with The Independent. He explained that sleep deprivation can cause the brain to remember negative experiences while forgetting positive ones, biasing one's worldview. He added that tiredness leads to impulsivity, potentially causing people to make poor and unreflective decisions. Dr Foster suggested that political leaders' sleep deprivation could impact their ability to make sensible decisions. The results of a pilot study on the topic will be released soon.
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Butter wouldn't melt: Why does TikTok suggest feeding your baby butter to help with sleep?
Due to a chaotic toddler, it has been many months since my partner and I have had more than two consecutive nights of solid sleep. Given research that suggests just two nights of broken sleep are enough to make people feel years older, we are positively decrepit. New parents face up to six years of sleep deprivation – a depressing statistic to consider when your infant has woken up for the millionth time overnight. No wonder we look, as Chappell Roan has put it, like we don't have light in our eyes. Bone-tired parents can get desperate enough to try anything: $2,000 app-controlled self-rocking bassinets, sleep courses sold by influencers with questionable credentials – even, as a disconcerting number of TikToks suggest, spoon-feeding babies chunks of butter. TikTok and Instagram abound with videos of chipper mothers giving their obliging children globs of the stuff before bed, with some touting butter as the trick that finally put an end to night waking. 'I can totally see why parents would be taken in by it,' says Dr Nina Jane Chad, a research fellow at the University of Sydney and an infant and young child feeding consultant for the World Health Organization. But butter is unlikely to make a baby sleep through the night, 'and there could be some harms involved' for young infants, she says. 'There certainly isn't any scientific evidence that a big dose of butter or fats or calories is likely to help with night-time sleep,' agrees Dr Fallon Cook, a paediatric sleep practitioner and director of Infant Sleep Australia. 'If sleep happens to be better that night, it's probably a coincidence.' Research suggests that what an infant eats during the day does not affect how likely they are to wake overnight. Other foods that were once touted as beneficial to baby sleep, like rice cereal, have also been found not to have any effect on sleeping through. Feeding butter to babies six months and under – for whom exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by the WHO – is 'going to change their gut flora and make them much more susceptible to whatever infectious diseases are doing the rounds', Chad says. From six months, infants require an iron-rich, nutritious solid diet in addition to milk. 'They need to have some animal-source foods, they need to have fruit and veg daily. They need to have whole grains and they need to have calcium-rich foods as well,' Chad says. 'Saturated fats is not such a huge issue for kids – we recommend that they have full cream dairy products,' she says. But she describes butter as 'an energy-dense but nutrient-poor food. There are better choices in terms of your child's whole diet.' 'In the first six months, it's very normal for babies to be waking multiple times overnight. They're often needing to feed to meet calorie needs, and it just takes time for sleep to consolidate into longer stretches overnight,' Cook says. 'As we move past six months … we start to see some longer stretches of sleep emerging.' According to Chad, 'Most babies will be waking at least once and usually up to three times up until their first birthday, and about a third of children are still waking at least once by the time they turn three.' Though night wakes naturally decline with age, 'we have this idea that babies and young children, should sleep for eight or 10 hours a night [in one stretch],' Chad says. 'They don't.' Though sleep 'regressions', such as the so-called four-month regression, are dreaded by parents, there isn't much evidence to support their existence. 'There aren't predictable times where sleep always goes bad,' Cook says. 'What we know is that for every baby, there will be natural ups and downs with their sleep, and it's not time-locked.' 'From about six months of age, children can develop sleep disorders,' Cook says. Some are physiological, such as snoring and breathing difficulties. Others, known as behavioural sleep problems, occur where a baby or toddler has 'rather specific conditions that they need met in order to fall asleep' – for example, being bounced on a fit ball, driven around in a car, or a very strong feed-to-sleep association. 'Some of these things every now and then are completely normal. But if it's at a point where it's exhausting parents and an older baby or toddler is needing these unusual conditions, six, seven, 10 times per night, that's when … it could be impacting sleep health, and probably impacting parent mental health.' While Cook encourages parents not to ignore serious difficulties, she says that 'when it comes to baby sleep, we will always say that parents know best'. 'If a baby's waking up a lot at night, but a parent feels fine about that … and they're managing, then there's not a problem.' Parents in the trenches wish for nothing more than a quick fix for better sleep. Unfortunately, Cook says 'There's no magical combination of things that you can do … it really comes down to consistency.' A regular bedtime routine 'gives your child's brain a cue that sleep is coming', while she advises parents having issues with settling their child to 'break it down into really little, manageable steps', such as introducing cues such as gentle pats or humming which can be done whether the child is rocked to sleep or settled in their cot. Whether or not to sleep train a baby is – like Donald Trump and Vegemite – a topic that seems to invite polarised opinions. Sleep training encompasses various behavioural strategies ranging from implementing a night-time routine to 'crying it out'. One study, which looked at the effect of controlled crying, found that sleep-training didn't reduce the frequency of waking but did seem to decrease parents' perceptions of how often waking occurred. Research shows that 'there are multiple ways of settling a baby in a cot, and they are safe', Cook says. 'We don't want parents using an approach that they feel devastated about or traumatised by.' Donna Lu is an assistant news editor at Guardian Australia and the sleep-deprived mother of a one-year-old Antiviral is a fortnightly column that interrogates the evidence behind the health headlines and factchecks popular wellness claims What health trend do you want examined? Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.
