Dark yellow urine in the morning

During sleep, you usually go several hours without fluids, so the kidneys remove waste in a smaller volume of urine. The first sample may therefore be deeper yellow and have a stronger smell, then become paler after normal drinking. Supplements, especially those containing B vitamins, can also alter the shade. Dark urine that remains through the day, becomes brown or tea-coloured, or appears with yellow eyes, pale stools, fever, or pain is different from a routine morning change. See [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) for the broader symptom picture.

Look at the first urine and compare it with later samples rather than judging one bathroom visit alone. Drink normally when you wake and continue fluids across the day, unless you have been told to restrict them. Note supplements, medicines, exercise, sweating, and whether the colour changes. Hot nights, heavy sweating, or illness can contribute to [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/); replace lost fluid steadily and rest in a cool place after heat exposure.

Contact a clinician if the dark shade continues beyond the morning, repeats for several days, or occurs with painful urination, reduced output, swelling, or marked fatigue. Get urgent help for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, or very little urine. Prompt evaluation is also appropriate for yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, or right-sided upper abdominal pain, which can signal a liver or bile-related problem. [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/) and [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/) are examples a clinician may assess when other signs are present.

Ask whether your morning colour fits normal concentration, whether a urine sample is needed, and which medicines or supplements could be contributing. Mention changes in stool colour, skin or eye colour, pain, fever, and your usual fluid intake.