By Dr. Hyun K. Lee
After a long day at work or play, we all look forward to a nice restful sleep; but for some people, obtaining rest, even when tired, is not so easy. Frequent nighttime urination is a problem that can impair general function into your waking hours. These people travel back and forth to the bathroom several times a night, which limits their quality of sleep dramatically.
Some people label this situation incorrectly as incontinence, but it’s not quite the same thing. This particular problem is stress-related and much easier to correct.
There are two root causes of stress-related frequent urination, aside from general stress. The first cause is from a stressed liver. From there, a chain reaction begins. The stressed liver function leads to an overheated heart function, which in turn upsets the small intestine function, which then bothers the kidney function, and finally results in weakened bladder function. When the bladder is stressed, it sends indications of it feeling full and opens for elimination early.
The second root cause is usually found in those persons who are overtired or who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. These people have a tendency to feel cold often with cold hands and feet. They also have weak yang energy and tired kidney function. Weak yang energy also means that there is too much yin (cold) energy present. When kidney function is cold, there is more draining of water in the body. This poor kidney function then upsets the bladder and youfeel the signs of a full bladder ready to be emptied.
Frequent urination creates more than just sleep deprivation; it also creates a lack of nutrition. The bladder contains urine, which consists of excess nutrients the body borrows from as needed. When this is constantly being flushed out, there is less nutrition being circulated throughout the body. In addition to this, the lack of sleep is more than just a problem of daytime fatigue and fuzzy thinking. Sleep at night is also a time of rest for your organs. They need this nightly period to rejuvenate so they can be alert and well-functioning for the day ahead. Just as running a car and never turning it off will limit its lifespan, the same can be said for your own system.
Treatment for these conditions begins not with the bladder, but in the area of the root cause: the liver and heart function or kidney function. Balancing these areas with herbs, acupuncture, and a proper diet restores normal function to the bladder.
For those suffering with incontinence, surgery is usually the first answer, but acupuncture and herbs can be helpful for that as well. Even though it’s not as easy to fix as frequent urination, it might just be the non-surgical fix you need.
A lack of sleep is nothing to ignore. While some sleep problems are temporary and easy to fix on your own, some are lasting and problematic. Fixing them as early as possible will help keep you clear, happy, focused, and feeling great.
Dr. Lee’s office is located at 175 McMurray Road, Suite G, Buellton. Dr. Lee also has offices in Los Angeles and Paso Robles. To make an appointment call (805) 693-5162 or (310) 666-8021.
