Japanese researchers have discovered the reason why the human body can store more urine during sleep than during the day. They found a link between the protein Connexin43 in the bladder muscle and urine production. The production of this protein is significantly higher at night than during the day, and a disruption in our internal clock could be the cause of frequent nighttime urination. The protein not only reduces the amount of urine produced but also increases the bladder’s storage capacity during sleep. The research could explain why people with an overactive bladder function often suffer from urinary urgency.
The study found that the production of Connexin43 in the muscle cells of the bladder fluctuates during the day-night cycle. In experiments with genetically modified mice that could only produce small amounts of the protein, they urinated more frequently during the sleep phase. The findings could lead to new treatment methods for people with overactive bladder function, and a disruption in the internal clock should be considered as a possible cause of disturbed urine production in older people and young children. According to the researchers, around 10% of young children wet the bed, and 60 to 90% of older people need to use the toilet more often at night.
The research sheds light on the importance of our internal clock and how it affects our bodily functions. The study’s findings could lead to new treatments for people with overactive bladder function and provide a better understanding of why some people experience frequent nighttime urination. The research also highlights the need to consider the internal clock as a possible cause of disturbed urine production in older people and young children. The study’s results could pave the way for new treatment methods that could improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
