Tired of Waking Up? Understanding Nocturia

Common Causes of Nocturia

There are several reasons why you might be waking up to urinate. A thorough evaluation can help determine the primary cause for you.

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is one of the most common causes in men. An enlarged prostate can prevent the bladder from emptying completely, meaning it fills up again more quickly, waking you up at night.
• Lifestyle Factors: The simplest cause is often drinking too many fluids, especially caffeine or alcohol, in the hours before bed.
• Nocturnal Polyuria: This is a condition where your body produces an abnormally large amount of urine while you sleep. It can be related to conditions like congestive heart failure, sleep apnea, or simply aging.
• Bladder Storage Issues: An overactive bladder or a bladder that can't hold much urine can also lead to nocturia.
• Medical Conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes can cause frequent urination both day and night. Urinary tract infections can also cause an urgent need to urinate.

Diagnosis

To find the cause of your nocturia, our specialist will likely:

• Review your medical history and symptoms.
• Ask you to keep a "bladder diary" to track how much you drink, how often you urinate, and how much urine you produce.
• Perform a physical exam, which may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check your prostate.
• Order a urine test to check for infection or other abnormalities.

Treatment for Nocturia

Treatment is targeted at the underlying cause:

• If it's a lifestyle issue, simple changes like reducing evening fluid intake can make a big difference.
• If BPH is the cause, medications to relax or shrink the prostate can be highly effective.
• If an overactive bladder is the issue, there are medications to calm the bladder muscles.
• If a more complex condition like sleep apnea or diabetes is suspected, we will work with you to manage that condition.