NOCTURIA

NOCTURIA

It is NOT just about trouble sleeping.

Nocturia is better known as abnormally excessive urination during the night. It has recently been recognized as a "clinical entity in its own right", meaning, it is not just simply regarded as a symptom, but rather a condition. It can occur at any age, although it is less frequent in the age range below 60 years, and becomes more common during prime years. This condition could result from too much liquid intake before bed or it could be a symptom of a greater problem such as sleep apnea, urinary incontinence, bladder infection, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. About 3.4% of the male population below the age of 30 has reported nocturia and 23.4% of men between the ages of 30 and 59 have reported the similar case. Nocturia in men can be directly attributed to BPH, also known as enlarged prostate. On the other hand, women generally experience nocturia as a result of the consequences of childbirth, menopause, and pelvic organ prolapse.

2 Major Types of Nocturia

Nocturnal Polyuria is the overproduction of urine at night. According to the International Continence Society, this is diagnosed when the nighttime urine volume is greater than 20 to 30% of the total 24-hour urine volume.

Global Polyuria is another major cause of nocturia that consists of both day and nighttime urine overproduction.

Multiple factors that could cause nocturia in both men and women:

Behavioral patterns

Diuretic medications

Caffeine

Alcohol

Overactive bladder treatment

Excessive fluids before bedtime

Diminished nocturnal bladder capacity

Fluid redistribution

Effects of Nocturia

As nocturia induces a major disruption to one's sleeping pattern, it also entails such a valuable cascade of effects:

Lack of sleep can cause one to be lethargic

Lack of sleep can cause one's mood to be more negatively-inclined

Lack of sleep will eventually interfere with daily routines and diminish the ability to function at one's peak along with lack of concentration and slower reaction times

Enjoyment of life will decrease accompanied by restlessness

Anxiety and disruption of daily activities

Diagnosis

Keep a 2-day diary of your activities, list down the number of times you frequently go to the bathroom during the day and at night. Information about symptoms and general habits would allow the medical professionals or doctors to better diagnose the condition. You will have to follow this up with a physical examination and be referred to a specialist, if necessary. You can be referred to a gynecologist, urologist, urogynecologist, neurologist, sleep expert, or an endocrinologist.

Nocturia can be an enervating problem for many people who experience it because of the negative impact of chronic sleep deprivation. However, with proper management, motivation, and dedication to a healthier lifestyle, this condition can be overcome to better the quality of life.

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