A Sleepless Combination: Diuretics And Insomnia

Insomnia is a physical condition in which the insomniac has difficulty in sleeping or staying asleep. Insomnia is not a disease, but a symptom of a condition that is brought about by a variety of factors. Some of these factors include psychological issues, the experiencing of stress, changes within an individual’s environment or a person’s diet.

An additional factor that can lead to insomnia is through the use of prescription medications. One such medication that can cause insomnia is through the use of diuretics. The link between diuretics and insomnia can be established as one understands how a diuretic works, what is the purpose of a diuretic and its effects upon the individual which can lead to insomnia.

What Is A Diuretic and the connection to Insomnia?

Before understanding the connection between diuretics and insomnia it is important to know what a diuretic is. A diuretic is that substance or medication that increases the urinary output of an individual.

What Is A Diuretic and the connection to Insomnia?

A diuretic can be part of a prescription plan ordered by a physician or can also be part of an individual’s daily dietary intake. Sometimes an individual consumes an item and doesn’t realize the diuretic affect that it can have on their body. Two such items that can be consumed by an individual as part of their diet can be the drinking of coffee or alcohol.
As part of a prescription program, the diuretic is prescribed to minimize the building up of excess fluids within the individual. One such medical condition that utilizes a diuretic, as part of a prescription program, is the treatment of congestive heart failure.

As part of the aging process, the heart begins to weaken. As the heart weakens, there is a corresponding buildup of fluid within the body. Through a diuretic the kidneys are stimulated to increase the output of urine which in turn decreases the fluid buildup within the body.

The Connection Between Diuretics And Insomnia

In either case, whether an individual is on a diuretic prescription program or utilizes substances that can be classified as diuretics the connection between diuretics and insomnia can be the same. This connection is that frequency of urination especially during the sleeping hours can disrupt an individual’s sleep which may then lead to insomnia.

In addition, a common side effect of utilizing diuretics is the experiencing of thirst. Thirst can be another contributor to sleeplessness which also indicates a direct link between diuretics and insomnia.