How to Sleep with UTI Discomfort

Home Remedies for UTI Pain Relief

The common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as frequent urination and pain in the lower abdomen, can make it challenging to sleep at night. Fortunately, there are various home remedies and medical treatments that can help alleviate UTI discomfort at night.

Home Remedies for UTI Pain Relief

The good news is that there are many measures you can take for UTI treatment at home.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking more water may help with a UTI. In one study, premenopausal people with recurrent UTIs were compared to those with low fluid intake and those with increased fluid intake. It found that those who increased their fluids had almost half as many UTIs after a year compared to the control group.

2. Use a Heating Pad

A heating pad can help relieve UTI pain. Heat therapy works in the following ways:

• Relaxing muscles
• Reducing muscle tension
• Reducing muscle spasms
• Increasing pelvic blood circulation
• Eliminating fluid retention
• Diminishing congestion and swelling
• Enabling a reduction in pain caused by nerve compression

3. Empty the Bladder Fully

While you may not feel like you can fully empty your bladder when you have a UTI, try to do so every time you use the bathroom. Here are some tips for fully emptying your bladder:

• Use the bathroom often; don’t hold your urine.
• Sit in a relaxed position when peeing.
• Take your time to empty your bladder.
• Do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles.

4. Avoid Certain Foods

You can help reduce UTI discomfort by avoiding foods and drinks that can further irritate your bladder, such as:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners
• Acidic foods like citrus
• Spicy foods

5. Use OTC Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are another great way to soothe a UTI at night. There are various OTC pain relievers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), aspirin, Aleve (naproxen), or Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Medical Treatments for UTIs

In addition to at-home remedies, medical treatments can help relieve UTI pain at night. They will also help treat the infection, which will relieve other symptoms, like a burning sensation after urinating.

Why UTI Pain Happens at Night

As with many health conditions, when you lie down at night without distractions, you may notice your pain more so than during the day.

How to Prevent a UTI

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of contracting a UTI. Prevention tips include:

• Urinating after sex.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Showering rather than bathing in a tub.
• Avoiding douching.
• Wiping from front to back.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Since bacteria cause UTIs and require antibiotics to heal, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider if you suspect you may have a UTI.

Red flag symptoms that require urgent medical attention include:

• Fever
• Rigors (chills and shivering accompanied by fever)
• Flank pain (pain in the side of the lower back)
• Significant nausea or vomiting

If you experience these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care at the emergency department.

Summary

UTI pain is often worse at night because there are fewer distractions, and your symptoms may wake you to use the bathroom. Drinking plenty of water, heating pads, and OTC pain relievers are common ways of dealing with overnight UTI pain. Once you start antibiotics, your symptoms should resolve quickly.