Nocturia may be a condition that is widely linked to urinary issues being the reason for frequent awakenings throughout the night. But what else can cause this unfortunate problem? Is it solely an issue of drinking too much liquid before bed, or could it be something else? Keep reading to find out.
What is Nocturia?
Nocturia is a condition that causes a person to wake up regularly throughout the night to urinate. It is believed to affect an estimated 50 million people in the United States; however, many researchers believe it is underreported because of the shame many patients feel.
What Can Cause Nocturia?
Most cases of nocturia are attributed to nocturnal polyuria or global polyuria. These two types of nocturia are associated with urinary production and the excess that causes a person to wake up multiple times each night to go to the bathroom.
However, there are non-urinary causes that can also be the underlying reason for nocturia:
- Sleep Disorder: When a person struggles with insomnia or sleep apnea, nocturia can arise; in fact, researchers state that those with insomnia may develop it as a result of their inability to fall or stay asleep at night. Also, those with OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) may experience hypoxemia – a condition that increases pulmonary artery vasoconstriction, which can lead to an increase in urine production.
- Peripheral Edema: This happens when extra fluid moves into the vascular system for the kidneys to begin working. Greater urine production can occur depending on the sleep position of the individual.
Other potential causes of nocturia include depression, obesity, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver failure, and a lack of physical activity.
What Kind of Treatment is Available?
There are many different types of treatment available for nocturia; however, it is essential that a sleep specialist identify the underlying cause before recommending a particular solution. While cutting off all liquids by a certain time each night can be helpful, your doctor might also suggest:
- Wearing compression socks if you struggle with fluid buildup in your lower body
- Developing a regular exercise routine
- Elevating your legs while asleep
- Maintaining a healthy weight by ingesting nutrient-rich foods (i.e., leafy greens, dairy, lean protein, etc.)
- Wearing an oral appliance or CPAP to address OSA or another similar form of sleep apnea
- Engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to decrease symptoms of insomnia
Nocturia doesn’t have to rule your life. By asking your doctor about ways to minimize your frequent trips to the bathroom at night, you can put yourself on the path to better rest and greater overall health.
About the Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness in Denton, our team of specialists recognizes the frustration that can come with nocturia. Frequently waking up to use the bathroom can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be a long-term reality. By providing effective solutions to address the root of the problem, we can help you get the sleep you need and calm your body down so that it relaxes throughout the night. If you need help figuring out the cause of your nocturia, contact us today.