LifestyleNighttime bathroom trips? Fall back asleep using these tricks

Nighttime bathroom trips? Fall back asleep using these tricks

Do you get up at night to go to the bathroom? Remember this - illustrative picture
Do you get up at night to go to the bathroom? Remember this - illustrative picture
Images source: © Adobe Stock | africa-studio.com (Olga Yastremska and Leonid Yastremskiy)

4:06 PM EDT, April 24, 2024

Do you ever find yourself waking up at night to visit the bathroom? On such occasions, there's a small detail that can make falling back to sleep much easier.

While almost everyone experiences nighttime wakefulness to use the bathroom at least once, it's a regular occurrence for some. If your nighttime bathroom visits become too frequent, consider discussing them with a doctor.

This may happen because we consume large amounts of fluids like tea or water before bedtime, prompting our bladder to signal the need to wake. Once we're out of bed, falling back asleep quickly becomes crucial but sometimes proves difficult. What should you keep in mind?

What to remember if you get up at night

Needing to urinate during the night disrupts our sleep quality. Waking up, getting out of bed, and facing the night's cooler air can further alert our senses. Moreover, it’s advisable to avoid something else during these nighttime trips.

That something is a bright light interferes with melatonin production, often called the "sleep hormone." A decrease in melatonin levels can make falling back asleep more challenging. Hence, it's beneficial to have a night light that emits a soft glow and use it when you get up to go to the bathroom. Soft lighting can prevent full wakefulness and help you recover more swiftly.

Tips for falling back asleep quickly

Many people have difficulty falling asleep. To facilitate a smoother transition to sleep, follow these guidelines: Avoid using your phone or computer before bedtime. Instead, consider reading a book you've been saving for later. Ensure your bedroom is well-ventilated and dark before sleep.

Additionally, avoid alcohol in the late evening, which increases urine production and negatively impacts sleep quality. When you get up at night, focus on relaxation and calm breathing rather than worrying about the hours left to sleep. The depth rather than the length of sleep often determines how rested you feel in the morning.

See also