Nocturia: What Is It and How Can You Treat It?
There are many urinary conditions that are more likely to start when you’re older, but some affect people young or old. One example is nocturia, or nocturnal polyuria.
This condition can make it difficult to get a night’s rest and can be caused by a number of other issues. And while it can be symptomatic of worse problems, especially if left untreated, nocturia is treatable
Nocturia and other urological problems can be treated by the experienced team of Dr. Neeraj Kohli and Boston Urogyn, with locations including in Wellesley and South Weymouth, Massachusetts.
What is nocturia?
Nocturia describes excessive urination at night, typically during the time people are trying to sleep. Normally, people can sleep 6-8 hours without having to urinate. This is because as we sleep the body produces less urine.
Getting up two or more times during the night to pee may indicate nocturia. Constant interruption of the sleep cycle can affect other parts of your life and make staying awake during the day more difficult.
What causes it?
A variety of things can contribute to experiencing nocturia, including medical conditions and lifestyle choices. Here are some examples:
Polyuria: Body makes too much urine in a day’s time
Bladder issues: An overactive bladder, a prolapse, or a tumor
Prostate issues: Enlarged or infected prostate, or a prostate tumor
Neurological conditions: Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or spinal compression
Organ failure: Common when dealing with heart or liver failure
Something as basic as drinking too much just before bed can cause nocturia, as well as medical treatments for hypertension like water pills. A urinary tract infection, kidney infection, diabetes, anxiety, edema, and sleep apnea are examples of other causes.
Experiencing nocturia may also be an early sign of pregnancy.
To test for nocturia, patients typically undergo one or more of the following: urinalysis, blood tests, cystoscopy, bladder scans, or urodynamic testing (how well the bladder fills and empties). Health history and previous urinary problems are also considered for analysis and treatment.
How is it treated?
Treatment can consist of lifestyle changes, symptom management, and medications. Simple things like limiting liquids before bed and reducing certain medications that contribute to nocturia are a good start.
Taking afternoon naps if nocturia is affecting your sleep patterns can help, as well as the use of compression socks to manage fluid buildup. If nocturia leads to bed-wetting, waterproofing the mattress and wearing absorbent briefs are recommended.
Anticholinergic drugs can help with overactive bladder issues and desmopressin can reduce the amount of urine your kidneys produce at night.
Treating underlying conditions that may cause nocturia like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, sleep apnea, and enlarged prostate also can reduce symptoms.
If you’re dealing with nocturia or any other urological problem, call Dr. Kohli and Boston Urogyn to start treatment today, or make your appointment online.
