Device Usage’s Effects on Nighttime Urination

By Megan L.

Many people experience the painful act of having to pull themselves out of the comfort of their beds in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Although most people consider nighttime urination as an inevitable bodily function, they are unaware that device usage contributes to this problem. In an era of technological advancements, many individuals are immersed in the use of electronic devices which flow (pun intended) into their night routines. Although this action may appear inconsequential, it increases the recurring need to urinate throughout the night. 

The sympathetic nervous system, “a part of the nervous system that serves to accelerate the heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and raise blood pressure,” is aroused when blue light rays are emitted (“Medical Definition”). Inciting the sympathetic nervous system with blue light rays “keeps [it] from winding down”(“Smartphone Use”). Moreover, exposure to blue light rays suppresses the production of antidiuretic hormones, essential for controlling the production of and need for urination. As hormone levels rise due to blue light rays, nighttime-urination-need increases as well.

Simply altering small habits like decreasing exposure to blue light rays before bed may greatly improve sleep quality. The seemingly insignificant actions, such as scrolling on social media or watching a YouTube video before bed, may result in detrimental health effects. Thus, it is vital to address this habit that most people engage in without understanding the underlying health risks.

References

“Medical Definition of Sympathetic Nervous System.” RxList, RxList, 29 Mar. 2021, 

www.rxlist.com/sympathetic_nervous_system/definition.htm. Accessed 10 Jan. 2023.

“Smartphone use increases urination at night: Nutritionist.” Taipei Times, 26 June 2022, www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2022/06/27/2003780646. Accessed 10 Jan. 2023.