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Insomnia, urge to urinate
I am a 22-year-old male. For the past week or so, I've been experiencing a mild form of insomnia, where it's usually taking me at least an hour to fall asleep, and usually I have to take some form of sleep aid. In this case, I have to take half the recommended dose of Tylenol PM (one caplet instead of two).
I suffered a similar bout of insomnia about three months ago, so I have carefully fallen into a regular sleep pattern (1:30AM to 9:30AM) and have not had much trouble since. I've also been taking a nightly melatonin supplement, which I think helped considerably in getting into a sleep routine.
In this new case of insomnia, however, I've also noticed that I have the urge to urinate soon after I lay down in what is typically my most comfortable position -- on my right side. However, I always go to the bathroom right before bed and have never really experienced this problem before. If I do get up and urinate again, I urinate very little, but the urge doesn't typically return after that. Regardless, I still take some time getting to sleep. Is it possible the two problems are connected? Or is it more likely a coincidence that I'm experiencing insomnia just when this happens to be occurring, as well?
Since my first experience with insomnia three months ago, my ability to sleep never did return to what I called normal (for example, I find it virtually impossible to grab a little nap now). Until the past week, though, I was having no trouble getting around 7 1/2 to 8 hours of sleep most nights.
It may not be related, but I've also been experiencing minor pain in my lower right back for the last month, which I notice only when I'm sitting in certain positions, such as driving or in my desk chair at work. It's accompanied by a pinprick of numbness in my right buttock. I've always had back problems, so I doubt it's connected, but I figured it would probably be best to note that, as well.
Answer:
Insomnia, urge to urinate
Hi ndw012,
I'm sorry to hear you've been having trouble sleeping. Getting a good night's sleep can make such a huge difference about how you feel during the day. There are many things that can cause insomnia. If you're stressed, you may have trouble turning your mind off at night. I also have back problems, and I know when they're flaring up I can have a lot of trouble trying to sleep, so that may be contributing. I would be wary of using medications for insomnia as a long term solution, as they can cause dependency. The active ingredient in Tylenol that makes you sleepy is diphenhydramine hydrochloride (which is an antihistamine like that found in benadryl), and unless you're taking the Tylenol for pain, if you're going to use a medication, it may be better to take the diphenhydramine HCL in isolation to avoid the unnecessary shot to your liver (especially if you drink). I would really reccomend seeing your doctor to determine if any underlying cause for your insomnia can be found. Especially since you're having urgency problems, if there is an underlying condition, treating it may help alleviate your insomnia. In the meantime, there are many things you can try to help you fall asleep. Try not to use your bed except for sleeping, and try to get into a routine where you go to bed and wake up around the same time everyday. Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep (i.e. quiet, dark, etc.) Exercise can improve your quality of sleep, but exercising too close to bedtime can make you hyperactive. Eating (especially things containing alcohol and caffeine) too close to bedtime can also make it difficult to fall asleep (as can nicotine). If you're having trouble sleeping, you can get up and try an activity that will make you drowsy such as reading before trying to go back to sleep. When I'm stressed, writing down the things I need to do helps me to fall asleep by getting my worries out of my mind and onto paper. If I were you, I would see your doctor, especially if this continues to be a problem. Best of luck, and keep us posted.
Answer:
Insomnia, urge to urinate
YankeeBeckham,
Thank you for your reply. As I've been through insomnia before (for about a two-week period a few months ago), I actually already do have a normal sleep schedule. I'm not too worried about anything yet. I am getting enough sleep (around 7 to 7 1/2 hours). I'm just not getting to sleep as quickly as I usually do. I'm starting to think that my New Year's weekend -- the only two nights I've fallen off my sleep schedule -- probably triggered this bout of insomnia.
I probably jumped the gun on my post here, but still, I figured it was worth asking. I'm going to give both the insomnia and urgency (though I'm not sure "urgency" is entirely appropriate, as I don't feel as though I MUST get to the bathroom in a hurry) another week, then I'll most likely see a doctor. The good news is, I haven't been taking the Tylenol PM every night, only 4 or 5 nights in the last 9. And only half the recommended dose (one caplet instead of two) does the trick. I don't drink at all, nor do I smoke or anything else involving nicotine. My consumption of caffeine is limited to one can of soda in the mid-afternoon, and I'm not stressed about anything (other than not sleeping normally). I am overweight, but I've been exercising at least four days a week for the past few months and am slowly losing weight (12 pounds thus far). I'm going to stick to mostly water and cranberry juice this week and see if it helps. Thanks again! :)