Evening sit-downs in front of the television with a favorite reality show may seem like a great way to relax, but researchers have found that people who spend a lot of time in front of the screen are more likely to make nighttime trips to the bathroom.
A group of researchers from China conducted an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States, focusing on responses collected from 2011 to 2016.
The study found that 32% of the 13,294 participants aged 20 and older reported nocturia — the need to wake up to urinate two or more times per night.
Taking into account factors such as age, gender, body mass index, ethnicity, education level, and diabetes status, the researchers discovered that the risk of developing nocturia was 48% higher among those who spent five or more hours a day watching television or videos compared to those who watched for less than an hour.
The team of scientists notes that the mechanism by which prolonged TV viewing increases the risk of nocturia is not well understood.
However, they point to several possible explanations for this association, emphasizing that long viewing sessions are linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for nocturia. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to fluid retention in the legs, which could also affect this phenomenon.
“Moreover, watching television is often accompanied by the consumption of beverages, leading to increased fluid intake,” they note, adding that among other possible causes, prolonged TV viewing may lead to neurological disorders that contribute to bladder dysfunction, as well as affect sleep duration or quality.
