Self-management of nocturia symptoms

Self-managing nocturia means making some changes to your routine to help reduce the need to get up at night to use the bathroom. 

Here are a few tips that could help:

• Try to drink less in the evening, especially 2 hours before you go to sleep, to avoid waking up at night to pee.
• Use the bathroom before bed. Even if you don’t feel like going, try to use the bathroom right before you go to sleep.
• If your legs swell, raising them during the day can help the fluid in your body move around, so you might not need to pee as much at night.
• Wearing compression stockings during the day can help stop too much fluid from building up in your legs, which would normally need to be emptied out at night.
• Making the muscles that control your bladder stronger can help you hold urine longer, which could lessen nighttime trips to the bathroom.
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol. These can make you pee more, so it's better to avoid them in the evening.
• If you have trouble walking or balancing, it might be helpful to keep a toilet chair (commode) next to your bed.

By following these tips, you might be able to manage nocturia and get better sleep. If you’re still having problems, it’s important to talk to your doctor for more help.

This chapter contains general information about the treatment of nocturia. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: May 2025