Nocturia

 Nocturia is a common urinary condition that involves waking up while sleeping because of an urge to urinate. This condition can occur due to fluid intake, excess urine production or low bladder capacity. Severe nocturia can cause the patient to wake several times and interfere with the ability to get a decent night of sleep leaving the patient feeling tired.

Causes of Nocturia

Patients with nocturia tend to produce more urine in the night time.  There can be numerous causes which may increase even more at night, beyond the capacity that the bladder can hold. Nocturia tends to affect older patients and may be due to:

• High fluid intake

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Urinary tract infections

• Enlarged prostate

• Neurogenic bladder

• Other sleeping disorders

• Side effect of medications

 

Diagnosis of Nocturia

To diagnose nocturia, history is obtain and a thorough physical examination is performed. A fluid and voiding diary may be obtained from the patient. This can help provide causes and contributing factors to the night time voiding and help guide treatment options.

 

Treatment of Nocturia

Treatment for nocturia depends on the cause of the condition, but may often include simple lifestyle changes such as:

● Restricting fluids in the evening for 3 hours before bedtime

● Elevating the legs

● Taking afternoon naps

● Medications

● Avoiding constipation

● Stress management

● Treating other medical conditions