Symptom 10: Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia) – The Midnight Marathon
Nocturia, or frequent urination at night, can be a telltale sign of CDHF. This isn’t just the occasional midnight trip to the bathroom after drinking a lot of water before bed; it’s a persistent pattern that disrupts sleep and affects quality of life.
In the context of CDHF, nocturia can be a result of the body’s attempt to get rid of excess fluid. With the heart’s inability to circulate blood efficiently, the kidneys often go into overdrive at night when the body is horizontal, resulting in increased urination.
Let’s examine this closer. The kidneys play a crucial role in fluid balance. When they sense the fluid accumulation due to CDHF, they increase urine production in an attempt to remove excess water. This process can intensify at night when the body is lying flat, leading to nocturia.
The effects of nocturia are far-reaching, with sleep disturbances being the most common consequence. Constantly being awoken from sleep to urinate can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, impacting mood, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.
The emotional toll of nocturia can be significant, with many individuals experiencing frustration, anxiety, and depression as they deal with the relentless sleep disruptions. The fear of potential bed-wetting incidents can also result in social isolation and increased psychological distress.(10)
