Nocturia

Nocturia

Waking up several times during the night because you have to urinate is a condition called Nocturia. This condition is more common as you age, but can be a sign of an underlying urologic condition that should be evaluated by a doctor.

Nocturia often becomes a problem for people who wake up three to six times during the night, causing extreme daytime fatigue. This disruption in sleep patterns can also lead to memory problems and even depression.

Causes

There are a number of different causes of nocturia that range from simple to complex. Some causes include:

• Too much fluid intake right before bedtime, especially caffeinated beverages and alcohol
• Certain medications such as diuretics (water pills) can cause increased urination at night
• Certain medical conditions such as congestive heart failure and diabetes
• Sleep apnea

Urologic conditions that can cause nocturia include:

• Enlarged prostate/BPH
• Bladder obstruction
• Overactive bladder (urinary incontinence)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Treatment Options

Lifestyle changes

• Limit or restrict your fluid intake in the evening, especially alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
• Don’t take certain medications such as diuretics right before bedtime to avoid excess fluid build-up
• Take afternoon naps to help with daytime fatigue
• Elevate the legs throughout the day and evening, which helps prevent fluid accumulation

Medications

• Anticholinergics – These medications are prescribed for overactive bladder and have been shown to be effective for treating nocturia. Anticholinergics are often a first-line medication for treating overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia in some men.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications that can be effective in alleviating nocturia based on your diagnosis and if other first-line therapies have failed.