How to Sleep Better with a UTI

Urinary tract infections can be distressing, and even more so if the symptoms appear at night. This infection is characterized by a handful of unpleasant symptoms, one being urinary urgency that can lead to restless nights. Those enduring this infection find it difficult to manage nighttime pain, which is the last thing you want when trying to catch sleep.

 

This condition needs immediate intervention since it can cause further complications. Fortunately, remedies can alleviate pain, cure the disease, and provide relief. Read on to find out what a UTI is, its symptoms, and how to manage your sleep with a UTI.

 

 

What is a UTI

 

A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system: kidney, ureters, bladder, and urethra. In most cases, this infection affects the lower urinary tract: the bladder and urethra. Women are more susceptible to developing a UTI than men due to their anatomy, but it's worth noting that both sexes can be infected.

 

While UTIs can affect anyone, some people are more likely than others to develop them. Here's a list of people who are more vulnerable to developing a UTI:

 

• Individuals who use catheters
• Individuals with diabetes
• Postmenopausal women
• Sexually active women
• Men in their 50s
• Male and female elders etc.

 

What are the Most Common Symptoms of a UTI

 

Before unfolding the common symptoms of a UTI, it's worth pointing out that this infection doesn't always cause symptoms, and sometimes they are pretty mild, which can be misdiagnosed as other conditions. Check out these symptoms that are mostly associated with UTIs.

 

• A strong, Persistent Urge to Urinate

 

UTIs can inflame and irritate the bladder lining, making it overly sensitive. This brings about increased urinary urgency and frequency, a leading cause of sleepless nights. You will also note that even though you feel like peeing urgently, the output is limited or absent altogether.

 

• A Burning Sensation When Peeing

 

Another common symptom is pain while urinating. You'll feel a burning sensation while urinating, and note that your urine is cloudy or milky with a bad smell.

 

Other symptoms include:

 

• Pelvic pain in women
• A sign of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Belly discomfort
• You may experience nausea, vomiting, and fever if the infection affects the kidney.

 

How Should You Sleep with a UTI

 

Adequate and sound sleep is critical for your overall health. However, UTI can compromise your sleep quality, so we've outlined the following tips to help you cope with this troublesome condition. Read below:

 

• Drink Plenty of Water During the Day and Reduce your Caffeine Intake

 

Work on drinking plenty of water earlier in the day, as staying hydrated is paramount when you're suffering from a UTI. Also, try limiting your caffeine intake to help minimize your urge to pee and the frequency of wanting to urinate.

 

• Limit Your Fluid Intake in the Evening

 

Another alternative is to limit your fluid intake between dinner and bedtime, as it might elevate your urge to urinate at night.

 

• Avoid Foods and Drinks that Irritate Your Bladder

 

If you have an inflamed urinary tract, it will help to steer clear of foods and drinks that may exasperate the condition. You can control your urinary urgency by cutting out these foods and drinks, especially just before bedtime:

 

• Chocolate
• Spicy foods
• Tomatoes and tomato products
• Alcohol
• Caffeinated and carbonated drinks
• Acidic fruits such as grapefruits and lemons

 

• Empty Your Bladder Before Bed

 

It can be challenging to empty your bladder all the way when you're suffering from a UTI, resulting in frequent bathroom trips and nighttime leaks. With that in mind, it would be better to try double voiding before sleeping to empty your bladder.

 

You can achieve this by sitting on the toilet and emptying your bladder as much as necessary. Bend forward and place your hands on your thighs to assist with emptying your bladder.

 

• Schedule Nighttime Bathroom Breaks

 

You can set the alarm to remind you to pee every 2-4 hours. This will prevent your bladder from becoming way too full, reducing the chances of waking up with a soaked bed or the urge to urinate.

 

• Wear an Incontinence Pad or Pants

 

If your UTI triggers your bladder to drip at night, these special undergarments will keep you from soaking up your bed. Wearing an incontinence pad or pants keeps you from stripping and changing your bedclothes, which would otherwise be disruptive to your precious sleep moment.

 

• Sleep with a Heating Pad

 

If you're having trouble sleeping due to bladder pain, place a heating pad against your abdomen to alleviate the discomfort. You can also use a hot water bottle to obtain the same objective, but remember to wrap the bottle in a towel to prevent it from burning your skin.

 

• Try a Sitz ( baking soda ) Bath.

 

A sitz bath can help minimize the discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection. It may also be handy for eliminating bacteria and related odors. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to warm bath water, then soak for 15-30 minutes before bed to ease the discomfort of your UTI.  

 

Note: Avoid items such as bubble baths, scented bath salts, or bath bombs, as they're likely to worsen your UTI.

 

• Take Pain Relievers as Needed

 

Inform your doctor that your UTI is causing urinary urgency, keeping you uncomfortable and awake at night. Your doctor should prescribe a medication that will relieve pain and the urgency to urinate. However, keep in mind that these pain relievers will only relieve your symptoms; they won't cure the underlying infection.

You'll need proper medical treatment to resume your normal health.

 

The Best Futon Mattress For Sleeping Comfortably

 

Anyone who has spent the night on a sagging old mattress will agree on one point: comfort matters. A comfortable mattress provides a great night's sleep while relieving pressure points, aligning the spine, and helping you wake up refreshed every morning. The MAXYOYO Japanese futon mattress, which shares these characteristics, is all you need for a restful night's sleep.

 

Due to its decent support and excellent artistry, previous users have dubbed it the most comfortable futon mattress. Sleepers experiencing pressure points in their joints will find this mattress appealing and a worthwhile investment.

 

Unlike other futons prone to heat retention, this one is breathable, promoting a cool sleep experience. Another notable feature is that this mattress is multifunctional, meaning you can use it in various contexts, such as a floor mattress and bedroom futon mattress, among others. Surprisingly, the MAXYOYO Japanese futon mattress retails at an affordable price, a plus for minimalists.